Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 22
  1. #1
    blacknomi is offline Key Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Posts
    1,814

    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".


    PHP Code:
    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!

  2. #2
    blacknomi is offline Key Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Posts
    1,814

    Default Re: A simple question for native speakers

    Moshi moshi
    Am I still on a busy line?

  3. #3
    Casiopea's Avatar
    Casiopea is offline VIP Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Posts
    12,971

    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.

  4. #4
    blacknomi is offline Key Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Posts
    1,814

    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

  5. #5
    Casiopea's Avatar
    Casiopea is offline VIP Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Posts
    12,971

    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.

  6. #6
    blacknomi is offline Key Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Posts
    1,814

    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.

    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

  7. #7
    twostep is offline Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Posts
    727

    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.

  8. #8
    blacknomi is offline Key Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Posts
    1,814

    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!"

  9. #9
    blacknomi is offline Key Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Posts
    1,814

    Default Re: A simple question for native speakers

    Cass, #6 ?

  10. #10
    twostep is offline Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Posts
    727

    Default Re: A simple question for native speakers

    #6????? translate for non natve

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Simple question
    By blacknomi in forum Ask a Teacher
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 25-Oct-2004, 22:45
  2. simple question
    By blacknomi in forum Ask a Teacher
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 08-Oct-2004, 11:55
  3. Present Perfect & the Simple Past: a question for studen
    By Steven D in forum General Language Discussions
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: 29-Sep-2004, 16:55
  4. simple question
    By Taka in forum Ask a Teacher
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 08-Aug-2004, 22:49
  5. question in the simple past
    By Anonymous in forum Ask a Teacher
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 29-Oct-2003, 10:37

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Hotchalk

Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.1