Grammar problem with "to"

TerryWang · #1 (**permalink**) 02-Jul-2007, 07:22

Hello,

"The CD has been listened to to make sure it works." I've asked some people, and they said it's weird. Could you tell me what's wrong with this sentence?

Thank you.

Ikia · #2 (**permalink**) 02-Jul-2007, 10:01

Maybe it's awkward, but it's not wrong. Probably seeing the two to's coming together looks strange to some. I'd put a comma between them; the pause helps, don't you think?

Or, change "listened to" to "played." That eliminates the weirdness.

Ikia

hector51 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-Jul-2007, 10:07

I see nothing wrong with it,it's correct!

Veron1 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-Jul-2007, 10:13

Hi
your sentence is correct don't change anything "listened to " is a unit that is one word it's a phrasal verb and the second to is a preposition
you're right

Casiopea · #5 (**permalink**) 02-Jul-2007, 14:20

Welcome, TerryWang.

It is weird, I agree. Try active voice,

Ex: We listened to the CD (in order) to make sure (that) it worked.

Does that help?

asmaa89 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-Jul-2007, 14:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casiopea

Welcome, TerryWang.

It is weird, I agree. Try active voice,

Ex: We listened to the CD (in order) to make sure (that) it worked.

Does that help?

I agree with you

Casiopea · #7 (**permalink**) 02-Jul-2007, 14:23

If you are not a teacher, you must clearly state that in your post.

_________________
Correction
Your sentence is correct don't change anything. Listened to is a one-word unit, a phrasal verb. The second to is a preposition.

You're right.

Casiopea · #8 (**permalink**) 02-Jul-2007, 14:25

If you are not a teacher, you must clearly state so in your post.

_________________
Correction: punctuation
I see nothing wrong with it. It's correct!

Casiopea · #9 (**permalink**) 02-Jul-2007, 14:37

Welcome, Ikia.

Adding a comma is a good repair strategy here,

Ex: The CD has been listened to, to make sure that it works.

But the sentence still stands awkward. The reason being, the subject here to make sure... lacks a referent. Who made sure?

Its referent is missing. It's normally found in the main clause, but our main clause is in passive voice and the subject of that clause is unstated. The result, the subject of the second clause lacks a referent. Consider,

Ex: In order to/that we make sure the CD works, we have to listen to it.

Ex: We have to listen to the CD in order to/that we make sure it
works.

All the best

Veron1 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-Jul-2007, 18:19

Hi Casiopea
Thanks for correcting my punctuation mistakes

I really appreciate that

Thanks again


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