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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 31-Oct-2004, 14:48
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Default A simple question for native speakers

Hello, non-natives' opinions are welcomed as well, please don't hesitate to share with me.

I read a comment in a thick crazy book called "A grammar of contemporary English".


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Some speakers feel that "Either you or I are going" is more natural than "Eithet you or I am going." 
I'd like to know your opinion!
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Old 02-Nov-2004, 16:02
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Default Re: A simple question for native speakers

Moshi moshi
Am I still on a busy line?
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Old 03-Nov-2004, 00:34
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Default Re: A simple question for native speakers

Quote:
Originally Posted by blacknomi
"Either you or I are going" is more natural than "Either you or I am going."
They both sound strange to me. I prefer:

Either you are going or I am going.
Either you or I will go.
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Old 03-Nov-2004, 13:58
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Default Re: A simple question for native speakers

Quote:
Originally Posted by Casiopea
They both sound strange to me. I prefer:

Either you are going or I am going.
Either you or I will go.
Really? Hm with "will", there's no problem left.

What about

"Either you or I am right" or "Either you or I are right", which one do you prefer? Could it be possible that some native speakers would like to use the second one?



Best Regards,
Blacknomi
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Old 03-Nov-2004, 14:46
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Default Re: A simple question for native speakers

Quote:
Originally Posted by blacknomi
Really? Hm with "will", there's no problem left.
That's right. Uhm, is there suppose to be a problem? Eee.


Quote:
Originally Posted by blacknomi
"Either you or I am right" or "Either you or I are right", which one do you prefer? Could it be possible that some native speakers would like to use the second one?
If I had to choose one, I'd pick "Either...I am....". The reason being, 'I' and 'am' are within close proximity, whereas 'You' and 'are' are not. But again, under normal circumstances, I wouldn't say either of them.
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Old 03-Nov-2004, 16:56
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Default Re: A simple question for native speakers

Quote:
Originally Posted by Casiopea
But again, under normal circumstances, I wouldn't say either of them.
Thank you, Ms. Beauty in Japan.

I'm a bit surprised at the tone you had, "But again....", while we have plenty of those tests oand excercises that ask learners to choose either am or are. If so, under normal circumstances, you wouldn't say either. Then I would like to know what you as any native speaker would say.

Quote:
Either you are right or I am right.
Which one do you say often, "Either you or I will go." or "Either you are going or I am going."


I look forward to your answer, as always.



All the best,
Blacknomi
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Old 03-Nov-2004, 17:47
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Default Re: A simple question for native speakers

Which one do you say often, "Either you or I will go." or "Either you are going or I am going."


Without thinking I would use "either you or I will go". "Either you are going or I am going" has the sound of command or ultimatum to it.
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Old 04-Nov-2004, 16:51
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Default Re: A simple question for native speakers

Quote:
Originally Posted by twostep
Without thinking I would use "either you or I will go". "Either you are going or I am going" has the sound of command or ultimatum to it.
Twostep,
If you say, "Either you or I will go" then will you utter, "Either you or I am right!"
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Old 04-Nov-2004, 16:52
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Default Re: A simple question for native speakers

Cass, #6 ?
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Old 04-Nov-2004, 17:37
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Default Re: A simple question for native speakers

#6????? translate for non natve
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