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Thread: grammar

  1. #1
    puzzle is offline Senior Member
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    Default grammar

    I. All magnets behave the same, be they large or small.
    II. She'll be sixteen years old, come May.

    I can't understand why use inversion structure in these two cases? Please.

  2. #2
    Niall is offline Member
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    Default Re: grammar

    You can interpret them as follows:
    I. We need to add the conjunction whether:All magnets behave the same, whether they are large or small.
    II. Adding when: She'll be sixteen years old, when May comes.

  3. #3
    RonBee's Avatar
    RonBee is offline Moderator
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    Default Re: grammar

    You can say it however you like.
    Whether they are small or large, all magnets behave the same.
    In May, she will be sixteen years old.

  4. #4
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    apex2000 is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: grammar

    Quote Originally Posted by puzzle View Post
    I. All magnets behave the same, be they large or small.
    II. She'll be sixteen years old, come May.

    I can't understand why use inversion structure in these two cases? Please.
    It is simply a manner of speech, colloquial. You do not have to use inversion.

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