it's strange that you should...

   Share on Facebook  
Anduy  #521884  Mon, 02 Jun 08 04:25 AM
This is a question from my book.

It's strange that you __ such a thing.

A.would say    B.should say    C.will say    D.said

The answer in the book (by non-native speakers) is should say. However, I think said is all right (the fact that you said such a thing is strange).

Please tell me what is the most suitable choice and explain why. Thank you. 

 

  
Not Ranked
Joined on Tue, Nov 6 2007
Junior Member (60)
Clive  #521893  Mon, 02 Jun 08 04:46 AM

Hi,

All four choices are grammatically OK, but I'd say B is the most common collocation in a sentence like this.

Best wishes, Clive

  
Top 10 Contributor
Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004
Canada
Veteran Member (21,184)
ModeratorTeachers
El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo
Marius Hancu  #521987  Mon, 02 Jun 08 10:50 AM
It's strange/surprising calls for the putative should in any exam situation. Read this thread in its entirety: 

"Putative Should"

 

  
Top 10 Contributor
Joined on Wed, Apr 26 2006
Montreal, Canada
Veteran Member (11,673)
Proficient Speaker
AddThis Feed Button RSS Feed: ESL General English Grammar Questions
© 2008 MediaCET Ltd.
Terms and Conditions & Terms of Service