Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Yoshiyuki]

Would anyone kindly help me with the following two?

While I was reading a story from a book "Chicken Soup for the Soul", I came across the following sentences.

1) This used to drive me bananas.
What does the underlined expression mean?

2) Dad groaned as I pleaded for him to not hurt my friends.
I learned in a grammar class that "not" is to be put before to-finitive, not between 'to' and infinitive. Is there any difference in nuance or implication or whatever when we say "Dad groaned as I pleaded for him not to hurt my friends"?

Thank you in advance.
Yoshiyuki

[RebeccaGMW]

Hi!

1) This used to drive me bananas.
What does the underlined expression mean?

"Drive me bananas" is an expression similar to "drive me crazy" or "drive me nuts". It is expressing that something really bothers or irritates you. For example, some people do not like when others chew their chewing gum very loudly. Therefore, this action drives them bananas.


2) Dad groaned as I pleaded for him to not hurt my friends.
I learned in a grammar class that "not" is to be put before to-finitive, not between 'to' and infinitive. Is there any difference in nuance or implication or whatever when we say "Dad groaned as I pleaded for him not to hurt my friends"?

The grammar rule you are referring to is that of split infinitives. The rule says that infinitives should not be split (i.e. "not to hurt" is correct and "to not hurt " is not because it splits the infinitive). However, this rule is usually seen as outdated by most grammar teachers.

The meaning is really not changed by using either option.

For more on split infinitives, here's a link: http://www.testmagic.com/grammar/explanations/verbs/split-infinitive.asp

I hope that helped!
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[Yoshiyuki]

Hi,Rebecca.
Thank you very much for your nice and clear explanation. I understood everything. I also appreciate your introducing to me a wonderful website, which taught me a lot about the English language. Unfortunately, however, the clue to decide whether spilit infinitive in a particular context sounds all right or not depends on an extremely high command of English like the one native speakers have. Anyway,I think I am going to read and listen to as much English as possible and try to make myself familiar with "natural" English.
Thank you again for your help. Yoshiyuki

[RebeccaGMW]

I'm glad I could help you. I wish I could make English less complicated for my students. I think perhaps in exams and formal classroom situations not splitting the infinitive is probably your best chance at correct grammar.

If you would like some more help, please visit my website and read about our tutoring. I would love to be able to help you with English.

Blessings,
Rebecca
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FREE English Help
Online and Email Tutoring
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