Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Crisi]

Hello,

Can you get angry about your poverty?

Is the following sentence correct?

Getting angry about his poverty Andrew was determined to make money as well.

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Crisi

[MrPedantic]

Hello Crisi

"Getting angry" is a little awkward here, as it suggests a transitory displeasure, rather than a state of sustained anger.

You might say:

"Angered by his own poverty, Andrew was determined to make money."
"Full of anger at the thought of his own poverty,..."

Other members might be able to suggest other and better versions!

All the best,

MrP

[Crisi]

Thank you for your suggestions.

I also find it sounds awkward, but is it grammatically incorrect?
And, yes I would like to hear other suggestions.


(the as well is only there because in the previous sentence he talks about the wealth of other people)

Thank you very much in advance.

Crisi

[MrPedantic]

Hello Crisi

I think there is a slight grammatical flaw: "he was determined" implies a state which is the consequence of something that is in some sense complete; but "getting angry" presents an incomplete action.

Here's an example from Google:

1. Once he met Angela, he was determined to become her lover.

Here, the state "being determined to become her lover" is the consequence of the complete action "meeting Angela".

All the best,

MrP