Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner12]

Hello, teachers!!

Most of the problems teen-agers are seeking to solve were created for them by adults. It is, therefore, not a little amusing to hear adults complaning and criticizing teen-agers, whom, they declare, they cannot understand. The failure to understand is understandable and constitutes yet another proof of the fact that human beings quickly forget what it was like to be a child, especially a teen-ager.
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(*) Most of the problems teen-agers are seeking to solve were created for them by adults.

Do you definitely need the words "for them" in the sentence above? In my opinion, they are not necessary. Is "for them" the same as "This present is for them" or "This cake is for you"?

However, I think that the author had a motive to write them.

Would you explain it?

Thank you in advance.

[EnglishRaven]

I don't think it is absolutely necessary to include "for them" in the sentence to maintain meaning and accuracy. But I do think it creates emphasis in linking the problems very directly from adults to teenagers. It gives a stronger impression of this transfer than the sentence with the "for them" omitted.

Cheers,

- Jason
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[learner12]

Dear EnglishRaven:

Thank you so much for your deep explanations.

Take care and have a nice weekend.

[learner12]

Hello, teachers!!

Most of the problems teen-agers are seeking to solve were created for them by adults. It is, therefore, not a little amusing to hear adults complaning and criticizing teen-agers, whom, they declare, they cannot understand.

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Do you need "about" in the above sentence?
=not a little amusing to hear adults complaining "about" and criticizing teen-agers

What do adults complain about teen-agers or do they just complaing?

Thank you in advance.