Can you correct the sentence?

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Anonymous:

Can you correct the sentence? How would you teachers write it?

For how much I use my debit card, I don't need a gold one. A normal debit card will do.

Approved answer (verified by BarbaraPA)

KJinCali79:

As seldom as I use my debit card, I don't need a gold one. A regular debit card will do.

Full Member303

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canadian45:

Anonymous.....For how much I use my debit card, I don't need a gold one. A ~~normal~~ (regular)(ordinary) debit card will do.

Senior Member2,911

canadian45:

canadian45Anonymous.....For how much I use my debit card, I don't need a gold one. (A regular)(An ordinary) debit card will do.

canadian45:

Why is "As seldom as" preferable to "For how much"?

KJinCali79:

Since the intent of the sentence it to imply that a gold debit card is not needed due to limited use of the card, using "much" is counter intuitive to the meaning,
Also, "how much" should really be used in relation to quantity not frequency. Often, seldom, or infrequently, are word choices reflecting the frequency of use.

canadian45:

KJinCali79Since the intent of the sentence it to imply that a gold debit card is not needed due to limited use of the card, using "much" is counter intuitive to the meaning, Also, "how much" should really be used in relation to quantity not frequency. Often, seldom, or infrequently, are word choices reflecting the frequency of use.

But that's my whole point. Why do you assume that frequency is the only issue? Can quantity not be at least as relevant? There could be relatively frequent use of the card but mostly for small amounts.
The other very important issue is that we should not change a writer's words or meaning unless there is something significantly amiss with what has been written. The only thing that needed change in the original post was the word "normal".

KJinCali79:

canadian45But that's my whole point. Why do you assume that frequency is the only issue? Can quantity not be at least as relevant? There could be relatively frequent use of the card but mostly for small amounts.The other very important issue is that we should not change a writer's words or meaning unless there is something very amiss with what has been written. The only thing that needed change in the original post was the word "normal".

I hope I did not change the intended meaning. However, even if the intended meaning was quantity, "much" would not be the right word, "little" would make more sense. Additionally, "as ___ as" is needed, "for" makes little sense.

canadian45:

KJinCali79 hope I did not change the intended meaning. But it should be a goal to not make unnecessary changes to the meaning, not just a hope. However, even if the intended meaning was quantity, "much" would not be the right word, "little" would make more sense. I don't agree. Whichever word is used, it is clear that the use is not enough to justify getting a gold card. And using "much" is quite standard when talking about quantity.
'How much do you use it?' ..... 'Not much.'
Additionally, "as ___ as" is needed, "for" makes little sense. By now, you know that I don't agree.

Can you correct the sentence?

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