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  1. #1
    vredes is offline Junior Member
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    Default answer or answering?

    Hi,
    "how about you let me talk to somebody who does more than answer/answering the phone"
    which one should I use?

    Thank you

  2. #2
    Barb_D's Avatar
    Barb_D is offline Moderator
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    Default Re: answer or answering?

    Quote Originally Posted by vredes View Post
    Hi,
    "how about you let me talk to somebody who does more than answer/answering the phone"
    which one should I use?

    Thank you
    The grammatical answer to your question is "answer."

    However, that sentence is extremely rude. Is that what you were hoping for?

    "May I speak to someone who has more authority to resolve the issue?"
    I'm not a teacher, but I write for a living. Please don't ask me about 2nd conditionals, but I'm a safe bet for what reads well in (American) English.

  3. #3
    vredes is offline Junior Member
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    Default Re: answer or answering?

    no I don't have the slightest intention to use it and offend anyone, it just popped up in my head. (Before you put it as ''extremely rude'', I thought it was just rude). Thanks anyway. But is it possible that you could direct me to any part of this side that discusses this kind of construction or could you just elaborate your explanation a little bit?
    Thank you for your help.

  4. #4
    tedtmc is offline Key Member
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    Default Re: answer or answering?

    not a teacher


    ...somebody who does more than answer the phone.
    It is a bit sarcastic too, in a way belittling the person who's job is answering phone calls.
    I think the first part of the sentence is quite innocent, probably comes from a person whose has limited command of English.
    Rudeness is relative, maybe it doesn't sound so bad in a place where English is not the native language.
    Last edited by tedtmc; 06-Mar-2010 at 12:03.

  5. #5
    vredes is offline Junior Member
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    Default Re: answer or answering?

    hi tedtmc. may be you could explain to me that kind of construction?

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