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gekofish73
Joined: 11 Dec 2005 Posts: 8
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Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2006 10:34 am Post subject: need help with this sentence |
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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?
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Brian Boyd
Joined: 18 Oct 2005 Posts: 176 Location: Bangkok, Thailand
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Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2006 6:59 pm Post subject: |
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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
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trueblue
Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 17
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Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 4:00 am Post subject: if he but would |
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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 . |
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