Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[nawee]

Hello,

I have seen the "there lived" construnction many times, but I have never used it myself. Is it used correctly in this sentence?

"In the little house at the corner of the crossroads there lived an old man."

Is it OK to drop "there"?

"In the little house at the corner of the crossroads lived an old man."

Thank you.

Nawee

[Barnez1]

Hi,

The example you showed is ideal to demonstrate that this construction is typically found in fables and fairy tales. It obviously means, in this instance, that an old man lived there (in the little house).

You are perfectly correct in thinking that you can omit 'there', and still retain the original meaning. However, the original sentence would be more suitable for a younger listener/reader.

Barnez1
English Language Centre
http://www.englishlc.com/
_________________
Every person, every object is full of desire. Be a connoisseur!

[nawee]

Thank you for your reply.

Without "there", is it still the same construction? Is this an example of "inversion"?

Thank you.

[Barnez1]

Hi Nawee,

You're welcome. In answer to your questions:


Yes, the sentence construction is the same and remains correct without the inclusion of the adverb there.

You are also correct in stating that using there in this sentence is an example of inversion: "In the little house at the corner of the crossroads there lived an old man."

There is functioning as an adverb to modify the verb lived, and as we are using inversion it allows us to combine the two sentences: "In the little house at the corner of the crossroads lived an old man." & "He lived there."



Barnez1
English Language Centre
http://www.englishlc.com/
_________________
Every person, every object is full of desire. Be a connoisseur!