the letter of complaint

[Anatoly]

Hello again and many thanks, dear teachers!
What about the following: “The conditions outside the flats are also intolerable. The people have to remain among the blackened walls, charred doors, destroyed or looted equipment and rubbish”?.

[RonBee]

Originally Posted by Anatoly

Hello again and many thanks, dear teachers!
What about the following: “The conditions outside the flats are also intolerable. The people have to remain among the blackened walls, charred doors, destroyed or looted equipment and rubbish”?.

The first sentence is fine. I would rewrite the second one somewhat. Perhaps: "The people have to endure (or put up with) such conditions as blackened walls, charred doors, destroyed equipment, and rubbish strewn about the premises." You could add: "Vandalism and theft are a constant problem." (They don't have to put up with looted equipment, because it isn't there.)

What do you think?

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[Anatoly]

Originally Posted by RonBee

The first sentence is fine. I would rewrite the second one somewhat. Perhaps: "The people have to endure (or put up with) such conditions as blackened walls, charred doors, destroyed equipment, and rubbish strewn about the premises." You could add: "Vandalism and theft are a constant problem." (They don't have to put up with looted equipment, because it isn't there.)

What do you think?

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Thanks! That’s a great idea!
So, "The people have to put up with such conditions as blackened walls, charred doors and rubbish strewn about the premises. Vandalism and theft, which are a constant problem, damage equipment and make the blocks uninhabitable."
I agree that the people don't have to put up with looted equipment, because it isn't there. :P The opposite is incorrect in Russian as well.
BTW, I love English phrasal verbs, but I only was worried about using them in the formal letter. Sometimes they surprise me with their meaning and some of the p.v. I’ve learnt are used in informal speech.

[RonBee]

That looks good to me. :D

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[Anatoly]

Originally Posted by RonBee

That looks good to me. :D

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Thanks a lot! Nice to work with you and Tdol.

[RonBee]

There is a whole slew of phrasal verbs beginning with put. Go here:
http://www.onelook.com/?w=put_*&ls=a

put up with:
http://dictionary.reference.com/sear...ut%20up%20with (near the bottom of the page)
put up with:
http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionar...va=put+up+with (near the bottom of the page)

Example: "I will not put up with that anymore."

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[Anatoly]

Originally Posted by RonBee

There is a whole slew of phrasal verbs beginning with put. Go here:
http://www.onelook.com/?w=put_*&ls=a

put up with:
http://dictionary.reference.com/sear...ut%20up%20with (near the bottom of the page)
put up with:
http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionar...va=put+up+with (near the bottom of the page)

Example: "I will not put up with that anymore."

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I'm very grateful to you, RonBee, for showing me these links that are very useful. I’ve found out a lot of helpful information. :)

[RonBee]

You're quite welcome. :D

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