| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
learner12
Joined: 18 Nov 2006
Posts: 730
|
 Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 5:20 pm Post subject: without |
 |
|
Hello, teachers!!
(1) I can't write a letter with you standing there.
(2) I can't write a letter without you standing there.
I know that (1) is English, so if I change the word "with" into "without," (2) is automatically English, I guess. However, I have never seen the sentence like (2). Can (2) be an English sentence?
Thank you in advance. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
dragn
Joined: 17 Feb 2009
Posts: 450
|
| Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 7:21 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
(1) I can't write a letter with you standing there.
(2) I can't write a letter without you standing there. |
You can rest assured that they are both English. You have my word on that. 
1. I can't write a letter with you standing there.
I'm trying to write a letter, but I can't because you are standing there. That bothers me; I find it distracting for some reason. I wish you'd leave so I could write this letter! 
2. I can't write a letter without you standing there.
I'm trying to write a letter, but I can't because you are not standing there. Or perhaps I am writing a letter while you are standing there but you want to leave; however, if you leave I won't be able to continue writing. For some reason, I need to have you standing there in order to write the letter. Maybe I'm writing about something that you have detailed knowledge of, and so I need to ask you questions while I write. Maybe your presence comforts me in some way and makes it possible for me to write.  Who knows.
Hope this makes sense.
Greg |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
learner12
Joined: 18 Nov 2006
Posts: 730
|
| Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 9:49 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Dear dragn:
Thank you so much for your intelligent explanations.
Thank you again for your help.
Take care and have a nice weekend. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
