I would like to know if the following options are correct:
The best way to learn a language is to speak /by speaking/speaking/speak it.
The best way to learn a language is to speak the language.
The best way to learn a language is to speak it.
The best way to learn a language is by speaking the language.
The best way to learn a language is by speaking it.
The two sentences ending with "the language" are grammatical, but they are also awkward and stilted. The other two ending in "it" are - strictly speaking - not grammatical because they end with a preposition. The "rule" about ending a sentence with a preposition is fast becoming obsolete and I have no problem with the sentences above.
In a sentence like this, would both options be correct:
All I want to do for Christmas is (to) go skiing.
Excuse me John, did you mean pronoun instead of preposition? It is normally regarded as an object or a subject pronoun.The two sentences ending with "the language" are grammatical, but they are also awkward and stilted. The other two ending in "it" are - strictly speaking - not grammatical because they end with a preposition. The "rule" about ending a sentence with a preposition is fast becoming obsolete and I have no problem with the sentences above.
Last edited by 5jj; 27-Jan-2012 at 17:26. Reason: format tidying.
Yes, shannico, John made a rare slip there. 'It' is indeed a pronoun, and the sentences with it are fine.
Context is always important; labelling is rarely important.
My apologies shannico, and to everyone else.
You are absolutely correct - I was wrong.
"It" is, indeed, a pronoun.
TGIF![]()
I make plenty of slips. I hope you didn't mind me correcting you...
All the best.
Shan