Quote:
Originally Posted by tzfujimino  Thank you, MashUK.
I understand what you're trying to say.
Then, what about these sentences below?
a.I don't like dogs.
b.I don't like any dogs.
Would you think the sentence a. is unacceptable?
Thank you.  |
Anytime
I would say sentence a is acceptable. But in these particular cases we have to deal with the semantics more rather than grammar.
a) I don't like dogs-here the noun "dogs" is used in a generalised meaning- i have no warm feelings for dogs, whatever they may be. The same with: i don't like sugar, i hate loneliness. I guess, this is the influence of suchlike verbs and verbal expressions (love/like/hate/dislike/can't stand/can't bear etc.)
In sentence b you stress the fact that you don't like dogs regardless their breed, size, colour etc.
I may be wrong though suggesting that.
Hope a native speaker will clarify the situation here
