swansong  +  34142 Tue, 22 Jun 04 11:19 AM Hello. "He called Mary, but it was the answering machine." Does this sentence sound natural? What would you say instead? Thank you. swansong Joined on Tue, Jun 22 2004 New Member 07

	taiwandave  +  34157 Tue, 22 Jun 04 12:32 PM We often use the verb "get" when talking about a telephone call that has been picked up by an answering machine or voice-mail. Examples: I called him three times, but all I got was his answering machine. I've been calling him all morning, but I keep getting his voice-mail. He called Mary, but could only get through to her answering machine. I therefore suggest changing your sentence to: He called Mary, but got her answering machine. taiwandave Joined on Mon, Jun 7 2004 Taoyuan City, Taiwan Full Member 287 Verbs

	swansong  +  34161 Tue, 22 Jun 04 02:09 PM Dear taiwandave, Thanks for the reply. "He called Mary, but got her answering machine." Wouldn't it be correct to put "he" after "but"? swansong