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conbon78
Joined: 05 Jun 2008
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 Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 9:03 pm Post subject: Grammar question |
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Ok...I am actually busy at work and I'm creating an online class. I am trying to describe the difference between these two statements.
Turn left within 20 miles.
Turn left in 20 miles.
The first one means that within the next 20 miles, at some point, the driver should turn left.
The second means that when you hit the 20th mile, turn.
How can I explain why it is that way? Or how to know the difference? Thanks in advance! |
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miljeong
Joined: 07 Mar 2010
Location: Bundang
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| Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 6:26 am Post subject: |
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Not to frustrate you but...
Turn left within 20 miles = you have 20 miles in which you can turn in. Use a timeline on the board to explain this concept if need be.
Turn left in 20 miles = 'in' is not a spacial reference so much as a reference of time, as in, an event of some sort. "In the event 20 miles happens, turn left".
IMHO both are wrong. "Turn left 20 miles ahead" is the correct form. |
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warren pease
Joined: 12 May 2008
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| Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 9:03 pm Post subject: |
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| miljeong wrote: |
Not to frustrate you but...
Turn left within 20 miles = you have 20 miles in which you can turn in. Use a timeline on the board to explain this concept if need be.
Turn left in 20 miles = 'in' is not a spacial reference so much as a reference of time, as in, an event of some sort. "In the event 20 miles happens, turn left".
IMHO both are wrong. "Turn left 20 miles ahead" is the correct form. |
BAAAAHMMMO! Grammar smack down! |
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daemyann
Joined: 09 Nov 2007
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| Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 11:05 pm Post subject: Re: Grammar question |
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| conbon78 wrote: |
Turn left within 20 miles.
Turn left in 20 miles.
How can I explain why it is that way? Or how to know the difference? Thanks in advance! |
Use before and after.
Turn left within 20 miles = Turn left before you travel 20 miles.
Turn left in 20 miles = Turn left after you travel 20 miles. |
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