New2grammar Posted 19 years ago
Grammar
sometimes
Sometimes, the door is open. Sometimes, it's not.
I heard this in a movie. I think it's more accurate if the second 'sometimes' is replaced with 'the other times' to cover all times. Would you change it?
Thanks in advance!
I heard this in a movie. I think it's more accurate if the second 'sometimes' is replaced with 'the other times' to cover all times. Would you change it?
Thanks in advance!
Top answer
Hello N2G, I wouldn't change it myself. 1. Sometimes X is Y.
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Hello N2G,
I wouldn't change it myself.
1. Sometimes X is Y. At other times it's not.
2. Sometimes X is Y. Sometimes it's not.
#1 seems simply to state a truism. However, you might use the #2 form when you wanted to remind your interlocutor (gently) that there is an alternative to "X being Y".
MrP
I wouldn't change it myself.
1. Sometimes X is Y. At other times it's not.
2. Sometimes X is Y. Sometimes it's not.
#1 seems simply to state a truism. However, you might use the #2 form when you wanted to remind your interlocutor (gently) that there is an alternative to "X being Y".
MrP
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