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Our problem lies not in what to do but in how to do it. Our problem lies not in what to do but in how to do it.
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Poll: Is the second "in" in the example sentence optional?
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Is the second "in" in the example sentence optional?

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Old 22-Nov-2007, 19:45
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Default Our problem lies not in what to do but in how to do it.
Is the second "in" in the example sentence optional?
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Old 24-Nov-2007, 12:45
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Default Re: Our problem lies not in what to do but in how to do it.
I`d say it`s rather necessary than optional.

Our problem lies not in what to do but in how to do it.

Our problem lies in...but not in....

I might be wrong, but I think that the preposition in is necessary here.

Lie is an intransitive verb whose meaning is to consist or have as a basis and it is often used with the preposition in:

The strength of his performance lies in his training.

lie - Definitions from Dictionary.com
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Old 24-Nov-2007, 13:35
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Default Re: Our problem lies not in what to do but in how to do it.
Thank you.
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