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New2grammar

#454673 Tue, 18 Dec 07 07:57 PM

Given my history with Jim, we should be able to get a good deal.

What's the meaning of given here? What word/phrase would you replace given with and still retain its meaning?

Thanks! By the way, I think my question is grammatically incorrect. Could you help me rephrase it?

New2grammar

Joined on Tue, Nov 21 2006

Veteran Member (7,676)

Who wants to go sailing around the world with me?

CalifJim

#454679 Tue, 18 Dec 07 08:02 PM

given = because of
given = knowing

Your question is fine, but you could also have written:

What word or phrase would you substitute for given and still retain its meaning?

CJ

CalifJim

Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004

California

Veteran Member (17,560)

"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche

New2grammar

#454681 Tue, 18 Dec 07 08:09 PM

Thanks, CalifJim. To me, substitute and replace are always interchangable. I could be wrong.

New2grammar

CalifJim

#454690 Tue, 18 Dec 07 08:27 PM

No, you're not wrong. It's just that I find replace ___ with ___ a little more awkward in a question because the object of with is fronted to become the question word. On the other hand, the object of for in substitute ___ for ___ is conveniently where it "should" be. Smile [:)]

What do we replace X with?
vs.
What do we substitute for X?

(I think you know already that replace X with Y is substitute Y for X.)

CJ

CalifJim

New2grammar

#454695 Tue, 18 Dec 07 08:31 PM

Thank you, CalifJim. Another interesting rule Smile [:)]

New2grammar