We have partnered with TradePub to bring you free industry magazines and resources - no coupons or credit cards required!
Visit: englishforums.tradepub.com
This question is Not Answered
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guest
+
112877
Mon, 27 Jun 05 11:50 AM
Dear Sirs/Madam:
Somebody said: "... I was really thought of sending you a message... ". She really wants to mean "... I really thought of sending you a message..." or "... I was really thinking of sending you a message...". I know the first statement is awkward, hence please help me explain the lapse in grammar.
Thank you and best regards.
S.M. Jucutan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mister Micawber
+
112906
Mon, 27 Jun 05 02:14 PM
I am not clear on what explanation you want, S.M.
"... I was really thought of sending you a message... " --- this is wrong.
"... I really thought of sending you a message..." --- this is right.
"... I was really thinking of sending you a message..." --- this is right.
The lapse in grammar results from either (1) s/he needs more experience speaking English, or (2) s/he reformulated the verb form in mid-sentence, beginning with the intention of saying 'I was really thinking', and then switching to '.. had really thought'.
Joined on
Wed, Aug 4 2004
Yokohama
Veteran Member
30,760
'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'
|
|
|
|
|
|