Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[jasonlulu_2000]

I can still see the ebullient family marching into and out of the house.

I can still see the ebullient family pouring into and out of the house.

From a native's point of view, are the underlined parts naturally written?

Thanks!

Jason

[IanT]

Mostly! Personally I would leave the "to" off "into" and just put "in and out of the house".

"Pouring" and "marching" would both be fine, if the context was suitable.

"Pouring" suggest large numbers, or high speed, or both. "Marching" (if not being used literally to describe military walking) suggests arrogance or injustice, or that the writer doesn't like them.

Hope helps,
Ian
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[jasonlulu_2000]

IanT, many thanks!

The context is that the writer went back to his hometown and he stopped by his old house. The memories of his childhood came flooding back. He remembered that his family _______ in and out of the house at that time.

So I will choose "pour" instead of "march", because the latter shows something negative if not used for military walking.

Am I right?

Thanks again!