Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[yoshi-pooh]

Hi, everyone!

1. I know who Mary got married to, but I can't tell you his name.
2. I know who Mary got married to, but I can't tell his name.

Is the "you" in #1 necessary? Or is it optional and #2 is fine?


Thank you!

yoshi-pooh

[Mister Micawber]

.
'You' is not optional. I may be able to tell my wife the name of Mary's husband, but not anyone else.

I can't tell you his name.
I can't tell them his name.
I can't tell George Bush his name.
I can't tell anyone his name.
.
_________________
"I really do not know that anything has ever been more exciting than diagramming sentences." � Gertrude Stein
...............
Canadian-American who teaches English for a living at Mr Micawber's