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BE or NO BE

General English Grammar & Vocabulary,... » ESL General English Grammar Questions

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Latest post Sun, Nov 8 2009 3:22 PM by Philip. 2 replies.
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alc24  +  965009 Sun, 08 Nov 09 09:33 AM
This is a translation from french 


would it be :


I've never seen anyone be on the toilet for so long/I've never seen anyone on the toilet for so long.


thanks
alc24
Joined on Sat, Jul 25 2009
Contributing Member 1,434
Old Man Gordon  +  965072 Sun, 08 Nov 09 11:25 AM
Grammatically, the 'be' is basically acceptable, but seems awkward.  Most native speakers would use 'stay' or 'sit', or some other verb.  Eliminating the be is another option, and your second sentence seems much less awkward.
Old Man Gordon
Joined on Fri, Mar 16 2007
Full Member 410
Philip  +  965195 Sun, 08 Nov 09 03:22 PM
I would use something more like "I've never known anyone to...."  I'm sure the original "see" isn't to be taken literally, but I don't like the possible mental image.
Philip
Joined on Thu, Jun 23 2005
Veteran Member 8,733
At reise er at leve! - H. C. Andersen
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