away and off

jiang · #1 (**permalink**) 26-Nov-2006, 13:37

Dear teachers,

Please read the following sentence:

The construction of the dam is already _________. But its completion is still a long way_________.
a. in progress, away b. under way, off

'in progress' ,means 'happening or being done now'.
'under way' means 'in motion, in progress, proceeding'. So I think the first part of each choice is OK.
'away' means 'in the futrue, from now. The example:
'The wedding is still six month away'.
'off' means distant (from) in time or space. The example:
Summer is only a week off.

According to the dictionary I think both are correct. But the key is 'b'. Could you please kindly explain why 'a' isn't correct?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you in advance.

Jiang

**BobK** · #2 (**permalink**) 26-Nov-2006, 20:06

I agree with your reasoning, jiang. Some writers avoid repetition of rhyming syllables if possible - preferring something called 'elegant variation'; maybe the person who decided 'long way away' was unacceptable had taken this to heart. But as far as I'm concerned, they're both OK.

b

jiang · #3 (**permalink**) 26-Nov-2006, 22:37

Dear BobK,

Thank you very much for your explanation. Now I see.

Jiang

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobK

I agree with your reasoning, jiang. Some writers avoid repetition of rhyming syllables if possible - preferring something called 'elegant variation'; maybe the person who decided 'long way away' was unacceptable had taken this to heart. But as far as I'm concerned, they're both OK.

b

jiang · #4 (**permalink**) 28-Nov-2006, 10:36

Dear BobK,

My English teacher corrected me by saying 'long way away' isn't correct because way can't modify time. This coincided with the key I came across in anther exercise book.Could you please explain if he is right or not? To remind you of the question I am quoting it here:

The construction of the dam is already _________. But its completion is still a long way_________.
a. in progress, away b. under way, off
According to the teacher only 'b' is correct.

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance.
Jiang

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobK

I agree with your reasoning, jiang. Some writers avoid repetition of rhyming syllables if possible - preferring something called 'elegant variation'; maybe the person who decided 'long way away' was unacceptable had taken this to heart. But as far as I'm concerned, they're both OK.

b

**BobK** · #5 (**permalink**) 28-Nov-2006, 11:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiang

Dear BobK,

My English teacher corrected me by saying 'long way away' isn't correct because way can't modify time. This coincided with the key I came across in anther exercise book.Could you please explain if he is right or not? ...

This prescription isn't one I've heard before. I'm sure I've heard/used expressions like 'Christmas isn't such a long way away'. Which reminds me ...

Anyway, I'd accept either (a) or (b).

b