stepped in the course of caution

Status
Not open for further replies.

Nathan Mckane

Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2010
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Persian
Home Country
Iran
Current Location
Iran
Hello

I was wondering if the parts in bold sound natural to the native speakers of English. If not, what would your suggestions be?

If hadn't stepped in the course of caution and didin't abstain from apparent exaggeration, I would have called his story the greatest literarty memorial of mankind.

Thanks.
 

Ouisch

Key Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2006
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
Hello

I was wondering if the parts in bold sound natural to the native speakers of English. If not, what would your suggestions be?

If hadn't stepped in the course of caution

No, this does not sound natural. What exactly are you trying to say? That you erred on the side of caution? That is, out of two alternatives you chose the safest one, the one with less risk?

and didin't abstain from apparent exaggeration, I would have called his story the greatest literarty memorial of mankind.

Thanks.

This part sounds natural, if a bit formal, but the entire piece sounds like it has a formal tone, so that's OK.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top