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Latest post Tue, Oct 13 2009 1:03 PM by Clive. 1 replies.
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Anonymous  +  940302 Tue, 13 Oct 09 08:05 AM
Hi. I think the word "tie" is intransitive. I also think an intransitive verb can't have a passive form. Having said that, I think in the following example sentences the word "tied" isn't part of a passive verb but rather is an adjective.

 

He/It is tied for last place.

He/It was tied for last place in yesterday's race.

 

As to the question: Is it correct to write these?

 

1.Which person/animal tied for last place?  

2.Which person/animal is tied for last place?

3.Which person/animal was tied for last place in yesterday's race?

Clive  +  940539 Tue, 13 Oct 09 01:03 PM
Hi,I think the word "tie" is intransitive. I also think an intransitive verb can't have a passive form. Having said that, I think in the following example sentences the word "tied" isn't part of a passive verb but rather is an adjective.  I agree with you.

 

He/It is tied for last place.

He/It was tied for last place in yesterday's race.

 

As to the question: Is it correct to write these?

 

1.Which person/animal tied for last place?  

2.Which person/animal is tied for last place?

3.Which person/animal was tied for last place in yesterday's race?

 

OK, except it doesn't sound right to me to speak of an animal as 'tied' in this way.  To tie sounds to me like the result of a human endeavour to beat an opponent.

 

Nor is it idiomatic to talk of 'an animal' in the context of a race. You'd speak of  eg the horses in a race.

 

Best wishes, Clive

 

Clive

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