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New2grammar

#538598 Wed, 09 Jul 08 03:12 AM

Only after you start up the generator, [do you/you] plug in your extension cord.

Which is correct?
Thanks.

New2grammar

Joined on Tue, Nov 21 2006

Veteran Member (7,670)

Who wants to go sailing around the world with me?

Mr Wordy

#538604 Wed, 09 Jul 08 03:29 AM

"do you", but I would not use a comma here.

(In fact, the version with "you" is possible in colloquial speech, when "only" can mean "except", but I think this is very unlikely to be what you intend.)

Mr Wordy

Joined on Tue, May 27 2008

Regular Member (960)

Native British English speaker

Commas

New2grammar

#538606 Wed, 09 Jul 08 03:36 AM

Mr Wordy
In fact, the version with "you" is possible in colloquial speech, when "only" can mean "except",

Mr Wordy, could you give an example of the above?

Thanks.

New2grammar

Mr Wordy

#538607 Wed, 09 Jul 08 03:39 AM

A: Am I doing this right?

B: Yeah ... kind of ... only after you start up the generator you plug in your extension cord.

(i.e. he did it right except that he forgot to plug in the extension cord)

Mr Wordy

New2grammar

#538692 Wed, 09 Jul 08 12:41 PM

Thanks, Mr. Wordy.

New2grammar

Marius Hancu

#538695 Wed, 09 Jul 08 12:47 PM

You can also use the imperative as an instruction:

Only after you start up the generator, plug in THE extension cord.

Marius Hancu

Joined on Wed, Apr 26 2006

Montreal, Canada

Veteran Member (11,673)

New2grammar

#538699 Wed, 09 Jul 08 12:55 PM

MH, what's the difference between your and my "do you" version in terms of mood?

New2grammar

Difference between

Mr Wordy

#538727 Wed, 09 Jul 08 01:58 PM

Marius Hancu
Only after you start up the generator, plug in THE extension cord.

Hmmm. This doesn't sound natural to my ears.

Mr Wordy