Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Marrion]

Whether we shall go to him or he will come to us doesn't matter much.

At this sentence, It is said that "doesn't matter" is wrong. But I don't know why.

I want to know why it is wrong.

[dragn]

Hi Marrion,

I'm not sure how well I can answer your question, but I can tell you one thing: the real problem does not lie with the phrase doesn't matter: it lies with what precedes it. It sounds very awkward to me. One reason is that we don't normally mix shall and will like that. If you're absolutely compelled to use shall, use it in both phrases.

Having said that, however, note that most native speakers wouldn't use will or shall here. Most people would say

1. Whether we go to him or he comes to us doesn't matter much.

Or...

2. It doesn't much matter whether we go to him or he comes to us.

Notice that saying that st doesn't much matter is a common variation if you want to add the word much.

Use of the subjunctive mood is also possible here if a more formal tone is desired, although it is unlikely many people would say it this way:

3. Whether we go to him or he come to us doesn't matter much.

My own feeling is that 2. would be the most common choice. Maybe one of the hardcore grammar mavens can provide some additional analysis; however, I still say the real problem here is not with doesn't matter.

Hope this helps.

dragn

[Marrion]

I got it perfectly.^0^//

Thank you very much.

May God bless you!! and good luck to you!!