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river1974
Joined: 20 May 2003
Posts: 525
Location: Taiwan
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 Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 11:35 pm Post subject: finish |
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Dear teachers:
(a) He won't be finished for at least an hour.
(b) He won't finish for at least an hour.
Which one sounds more natural?
Thanks. |
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bud
Joined: 09 Mar 2003
Posts: 2111
Location: New Jersey, US
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| Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 9:24 am Post subject: |
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They're both natural, River. In most situations, I think the second would be more likely. However, maybe a situation like this would make the first more likely:
Dawn: I need a ride to work in a half hour. Will Dad be able to take me?
Mom: No. He's fixing his car and won't be finished for at least an hour.
I think the grammar of the question would likely suggest the grammar of the response. |
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river1974
Joined: 20 May 2003
Posts: 525
Location: Taiwan
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| Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 5:38 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
Dawn: I need a ride to work in a half hour. Will Dad be able to take me?
Mom: No. He's fixing his car and won't be finished for at least an hour.
I think the grammar of the question would likely suggest the grammar of the response. |
Thanks bud. The grammar of the question would likely suggest the grammar of the response. But in your example, which part suggests Mom's response? Will Dad *be* able to take me? |
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bud
Joined: 09 Mar 2003
Posts: 2111
Location: New Jersey, US
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| Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 11:56 am Post subject: |
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| Yes, that's my thinking, River. It's just my opinion, though. |
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