whose idea was it for you to go there

navi tasan

Key Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2002
Member Type
Academic
Native Language
Persian
Home Country
Iran
Current Location
United States
Tom says: I went and talked to the manager.

Roy says:
1) Whose idea was it for you to go and talk to the manager?
2) Whose idea was it to go and talk to the manager?

Are both #1 and #2 acceptable in this context?
The context does make it clear that the agent of 'to go and talk to the manager' is Tom. Is the 'for you' necessary?
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Tarheel

VIP Member
Joined
Jun 16, 2014
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
I suppose you could use either one. I guess you know it's not really a question. It's an expression of disapproval much as "Who had that bright idea?" Is saying that it was not in fact a bright idea but a stupid one.
 

emsr2d2

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 28, 2009
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
UK
Whilst I agree that it can be an expression of disapproval, that's not necessarily the case. It could be a completely genuine enquiry. The tone of voice would dictate which one was meant.
 
Top