a moment’s / a moment of hesitation

Status
Not open for further replies.

Mnemon

Member
Joined
Sep 22, 2021
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
Persian
Home Country
Iran
Current Location
Iran
Hello.

a. When our teacher asks the class a difficult question, he usually answers without a moment’s hesitation.

b. When our teacher asks the class a difficult question, he usually answers without a moment of hesitation.

Do they both work for you? Any difference.
 
Yes, they both work, but I would omit "a moment of".
 
[STRIKE]Hello.[/STRIKE] Unnecessary. Just ask your question.

a. When our teacher asks the class a difficult question, he usually answers without a moment’s hesitation.
b. When our teacher asks the class a difficult question, he usually answers without a moment of hesitation.

Do they both work for you? Is there any difference between them?

Please note my corrections above. There's no need for a greeting. Remember to write full sentences.

A is commonly used in BrE. B is grammatically correct but uncommon.
 
a. When our teacher asks the class a difficult question, he usually answers without a moment’s hesitation.

b. When our teacher asks the class a difficult question, he usually answers without a moment of hesitation.

I am assuming that "he" refers to one of the students and not the teacher. Does the context make that clear?
 
I am assuming that "he" refers to one of the students and not the teacher. Does the context make that clear?
Yes, your assumption is correct.
Thanks for chiming in, BTW.
 
When I first read that it seemed to be saying that the teacher answered his own question. (Otherwise "he" refers to somebody who is not mentioned.)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Ask a Teacher

If you have a question about the English language and would like to ask one of our many English teachers and language experts, please click the button below to let us know:

(Requires Registration)
Back
Top