Please help me!
I make a sentence like this:
An unassailable 2-0 lead gave South Africa the victory.
But my friend corrected: "The victory gave South Africa an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Why Is my sentence wrong? I think mine makes a sense.
I'll appreciate if you explain the reason. Thanks a lot.
Last edited by early bird; 19-Sep-2011 at 16:12.
Your version is fine. Your friend's is not.
Well, actually, it's hard to say.
Are you referring to their record, 2-0, meaning two wins and no losses? If so, the victory gave them a 2-0 lead (in their division, or whatever).
Are you referring to the score, 2 runs or scores or goals or whatever the sport is, to no points by the other team, so that their score of 2-0 gave them a victory?
We need to know that to understand whether your original was right.
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.
Your version seems to refer to an individual contest, because we (AmE) don't usually or ever refer to a league championship as a victory. So, if you were referring to an individual contest your version is correct as 'fivejedjon' posted. But, if your friend's response is as posted, he/she is referring to a different subject ("victory") and you are referring to a "lead". So, if that is true, that is, a reference to two different subjects you and your friend are both correct.
It seems to invite more:
The victory gave South Africa an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series,(for example).
b
Thanks for your reply. It helps me.
Actually my question is about arranging word order; orginally[South Africa, the victory, gave, an unassailable 2-0 lead].
According to you, should the question be added 'in the series'?
Please reply one more.
Last edited by early bird; 19-Sep-2011 at 16:36.
Thanks to billmcd, but I have one more question after reading your answer':
because we (AmE) don't usually or ever refer to a league championship as a victory
What do you refer a victory as, if so?
I will appreciate if you answer to the question.
Yes - if there was a series, that would make sense. For example in a series of 3 matches, a team that wins the first 2 has 'an unassailable lead'. This could be reported as 'The second win, which means the score in the series is 2-0, gave them an unassailable lead.' Note that it is the victory that gives them the lead, not the score. The score consitutes an unassailable lead. 'The victory gave them a lead' is not just a fancy way of saying 'They won'
b
Last edited by BobK; 19-Sep-2011 at 16:51. Reason: Added last caveat
Thanks a lot, Bobk.
I rerally really appreciate your help!!!!!^^