#1  
Old 24-Jun-2003, 08:17
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Default A grammar question...

Okay, I'm the first to admit that my grammar is a bit dodgy!

In the school book today, there was the following sentence:

"How much do a hamburger and a hot dog cost?"

I swear that we usually ask "How much does a hamburger and a hot dog cost" - am I right or wrong?
We could also ask:

"How much is a hamburger and a hot dog?"
"How much would a hamburger and a hot dog cost?"

Am I right? I'm right, aren't I? Please tell me I'm right! :wink:

Shane
  #2  
Old 24-Jun-2003, 12:15
lucyarliwu
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Default Re: A grammar question...

Quote:
Originally Posted by shane
In the school book today, there was the following sentence:

"How much do a hamburger and a hot dog cost?"

I swear that we usually ask "How much does a hamburger and a hot dog cost" - am I right or wrong?
We could also ask:

"How much is a hamburger and a hot dog?"
"How much would a hamburger and a hot dog cost?"

Am I right? I'm right, aren't I? Please tell me I'm right! :wink:

Shane
I get confused too, maybe you are right by using"does" or "would",Shane!
  #3  
Old 24-Jun-2003, 12:38
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Default Re: A grammar question...

Quote:
Originally Posted by lucyarliwu
I get confused too, maybe you are right by using"does" or "would",Shane!
Thanks Lucy! I'm convinced I'm right :D
However, I'm waiting for one of the experts to come along IYKWIM (If You Know What I Mean) :wink:

P.S. NOT that I am calling you a 'non expert'!!!
  #4  
Old 24-Jun-2003, 14:14
lucyarliwu
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Default Re: A grammar question...

Donot worry, Shane!

It doesn't matter to be regarded as a layman for me, because I 'll be bold to participate any discussion or topics and raising questions without any pressure freely. :)

Lucy--a proud English layman ;)
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Old 24-Jun-2003, 14:17
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Default Re: A grammar question...

Hi Shane,

I'm definitely on your side with this one, but I'll let the real teachers come in and have their say for a definitive answer.
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  #6  
Old 24-Jun-2003, 14:18
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Default Re: A grammar question...

Quote:
Originally Posted by lucyarliwu
Donot worry, Shane!

It doesn't matter to be regarded as a layman for me, because I 'll be bold to participate any discussion or topics and raising questions without any pressure freely. :)

Lucy--a proud English layman ;)
Way to go Lucy; confidence is the key to success :D
  #7  
Old 24-Jun-2003, 15:26
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You often find a singular verb in sentences like yours, because it sounds better next to a singualr noun, even though there are two. It's especially common with 'there is a hot dog and a hamburger'. However, 'do' sounds better to me in this case. In BE, we are relaxed about this issue, but Americans tend to be a bit more picky.
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Old 24-Jun-2003, 15:36
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Default Re: A grammar question...

Thanks for clearing that up, Tdol :D
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Old 24-Jun-2003, 15:42
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You're welcome.
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Old 24-Jun-2003, 21:57
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Default Re: A grammar question...

Quote:
Originally Posted by shane
Okay, I'm the first to admit that my grammar is a bit dodgy!

In the school book today, there was the following sentence:

"How much do a hamburger and a hot dog cost?"

I swear that we usually ask "How much does a hamburger and a hot dog cost" - am I right or wrong?
We could also ask:

"How much is a hamburger and a hot dog?"
"How much would a hamburger and a hot dog cost?"

Am I right? I'm right, aren't I? Please tell me I'm right! :wink:

Shane
I would say "How much do a hamburger and a hot dog cost?" just the same as I would say "How much do they cost?" Sorry to be disagreeable. :wink:

The other sentences are, IMO, perfectly fine. I judge them as being equivalent to "What is the cost of a hamburger and a hot dog?" with "cost" being the object of "is".

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