In Constructions^x, Negatives^x

When looking up tricky constructions or words, one can often go to the dictionary to view its proper usage. For example, www.dictionary.com shows this definition and usage note for nor:1. (used in negative phrases, esp. after neither, to introduce the second member in a series, or any subsequent...

Both the first and third examples work. The first is the gerund construction, the third is the subjunctive construction. The second is incorrect. However, despite being technically correct, both the first and third examples still sound awkward. Ultimately, I think this is because it sounds...

Hi,But doesn't the use of a possessive adjective in these particular examples have the effect of emphasizing the negative quality perceived in the described person, object or situation... or am I imagining this? I realize the difference may be subtle... but if there is one, I'd like to...

But doesn't the use of a possessive adjective in these particular examples have the effect of emphasizing the negative quality perceived in the described person, object or situation... or am I imagining this? I realize the difference may be subtle... but if there is one, I'd like to know...

Hi, At The American Heritage Book of English Usage at Bartleby.com in the section named "1. Grammar: Traditional Rules, Word Order, Agreement, and Case", I saw this line in its note: However, when a verb is negated by not or never, and is followed by a negative verb phrase (but not an...

You can certainly generalize to the negative actions that can be inflicted upon a person, as shown in your examples. But you can't apply all three patterns to all past participles. For example, you may say,He could have been driven to the station. But I would consider it awkward to use got...

Hi, a: There are two versions if I am not wrong. One with a faster tempo than the other. b: Would that you weren't... ** Hi, in this case, is b trying to imply a isn't right? Yes. Roughly speaking, it means 'I wish that you were not wrong, but I think you are wrong'. A is...

No. The negation of has got to is hasn't got to. Note, however, that the expression have got to is used almost exclusively in present time in affirmative statements, not in interrogatives, negatives, or in other tenses. Change to have to for those.Those marked with ? below should be...

The mistake here is what is known as a "split infinitive", a definite no-no in many grammar books.

I try not to tell her. It's possible. "I don't even try to tell her". I think in this way it may be more clear. I try to not tell her. I think it's wrong to use such construction. Negative Form of Infinitive is formed by adding "not" before "to".