Site Search:
 
Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums Forum Index Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!"
 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

need help with this sentence

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Learning English
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
gekofish73



Joined: 11 Dec 2005
Posts: 8

PostPosted: Sun Feb 19, 2006 10:34 am    Post subject: need help with this sentence Reply with quote

Hi,

I was reading a book, and can't seem to really understand this sentence:

"In one way or another, from casual remarks dropped by his parents, Clyde had heard references to certain things this particular uncle might do for a person, if he but would; references to the fact that he was a hard, shrewd businessman;...."

Especially what does the part "if he but would" mean?


thanks
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Brian Boyd



Joined: 18 Oct 2005
Posts: 176
Location: Bangkok, Thailand

PostPosted: Sun Feb 19, 2006 6:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

It's quite an old style, and not something you'd hear people saying much these days.

I think it means that the uncle was able to help, but unwilling to help.

Brian
_________________
'
Comics for students ...

http://www.grammarmancomic.com

.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
trueblue



Joined: 11 Feb 2006
Posts: 17

PostPosted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 4:00 am    Post subject: if he but would Reply with quote

I agree with Brian in that this is a form that would probably not be seen very much today.

I'll also add that the parents could be stating that he knows that the help is available from the uncle, however, he is unsure as to whether it would be given .
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Learning English All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


Dave's ESL Cafe is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling.
Banner Advertising | Bookstore / Alta Books | FAQs | Articles | Interview with Dave
Copyright © 2018 Dave's ESL Cafe | All Rights Reserved | Contact Dave's ESL Cafe | Site Map

Teachers College, Columbia University: Train to Teach English Here or Abroad
SIT
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group