Are these sentences natural? August 2

[musicgold]

Hi,

Are the following sentences natural to a native ear?

1. Next Friday, it being a religious holiday, we are closed and will open back on Monday.

2. He must have aged by at least 10 years in the last two days.

3. First , I was only kidding with John, but somehow the idea caught on and everybody started asking me about it.

Thanks,

MG.

[billmcd]

Hi,

Are the following sentences natural to a native ear?

1. Next Friday, it being a religious holiday, we are closed and will open back reopen on Monday.

2. He must have aged by at least 10 years in the last two days. OK

3. First , I was only kidding with John, but somehow the idea caught on and everybody started asking me about it. OK

Thanks,

MG.

See above.

[musicgold]

Thanks Billmcd.

[musicgold]

Billcmd,

A follow up question if you don't mind. Is this version of #1 okay?

1b. Next Friday, for it being a religious holiday, we are closed and will reopen Monday.

Thanks.

[billmcd]

Billcmd,

A follow up question if you don't mind. Is this version of #1 okay?

1b. Next Friday, for it being a religious holiday, we are closed and will reopen Monday.

Thanks.

No, but you could say "...as it is a religious holiday....)

[dsec]

1. Next Friday, it being a religious holiday, we are closed and will open back on Monday.

2. He must have aged by at least 10 years in the last two days.

3. First , I was only kidding with John, but somehow the idea caught on and everybody started asking me about it.

--

something about 'next friday, it being a religious holiday', sounds outlandish. i realize this isn't constructive, sorry.

second sentence is fine

third is a little bizarre as well. get rid of the word 'First' (I was only kidding with John, but somehow the idea caught on...). the word 'but' already indicates the following is subsequent.