Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Junkomama]

Hello,teachers.
Which one of the following sentences is correct or natural?

1. Mary is 20 years old and her husband is 35. Her husband may die earlier than her.
2. Mary is 20 years old and her husband is 35. her husband may die earlier than she.
3. Mary is 20 years old and her husband is 35. Her husband may die earlier than she will.

Thank you in advance!
Junkomama

[2006]

#1 is not correct but sounds very natural and is probably the most commonly said.

#3 is correct and natural and is often said.


#2 is correct; (the meaning of) 'will (die)' is assumed to be present. It is not 'natural' to end a sentence with a subject pronoun, so I think #2 is rarely said.

[Junkomama]

Thank you so much for your quick response, 2006-san!

Regards,
Junkomama