which is correct?

<b>Forum for the discussion of Applied Linguistics </b>

Moderators: Dimitris, maneki neko2, Lorikeet, Enrico Palazzo, superpeach, cecil2, Mr. Kalgukshi2

Post Reply
hyonji
Posts: 5
Joined: Sun Mar 07, 2004 9:23 am
Location: Korea

which is correct?

Post by hyonji » Sun Mar 07, 2004 9:31 am

We always have complaints, whether they be big or small.
We always have complains, whether they are big or small.

Which of the sentences is correct? or Are both the sentences correct?

If they are both correct, is there any difference in meaning?

I've always used the second form but I happened to see the first sentence in the textbook I'm teaching, but I have no clue how I should teach students about the difference.

Please help me out here and have a good one everyone.... :D
Top
Andrew Patterson
Posts: 922
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2004 7:59 pm
Location: Poland
Contact:
Contact Andrew Patterson

Post by Andrew Patterson » Sun Mar 07, 2004 11:00 am

They are both correct. The first is in the present subjunctive mood and the second in the present indicative mood.

The first is more formal and solomn. It could be used in public speaking. The second could be used anywhere. The first is also more common in American English.
Top
lolwhites
Posts: 1321
Joined: Wed Jul 16, 2003 1:12 pm
Location: France
Contact:
Contact lolwhites

Post by lolwhites » Sun Mar 07, 2004 6:24 pm

Both are right, as Andrew points out. They both seem a bit long winded to me though. How about "We always have complaints, big and small"?
Top
Post Reply

Return to “Applied Linguistics”