NL888 Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
Why "to construct" is better than "to be constructed"?
The sentence " A new palace shouldn't take more than one month to construct" is no doubt correct in grammar. But there is a logic problem here. A new palace cannot construct itself. It should be constructed (by people).
Because only humans have the initiative to do something. In "we decided to construct the palace," we, the people, had the drive to build. But a palace has not drive. How can we say " A new palace will take a month to construct"? Although we know the grammar is widely accepted.
Context:
All materials required are ready there. A new palace shouldn't take more than one month to construct.
Because only humans have the initiative to do something. In "we decided to construct the palace," we, the people, had the drive to build. But a palace has not drive. How can we say " A new palace will take a month to construct"? Although we know the grammar is widely accepted.
Context:
All materials required are ready there. A new palace shouldn't take more than one month to construct.
Top answer
NL888 A new palace shouldn't take more than one month to construct. Correct. Infinitives often have a passive meaning.
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NL888A new palace shouldn't take more than one month to construct.Correct. Infinitives often have a passive meaning.
... takes one month (for someone) to construct (it) ~ ... takes one month to be constructed
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The meal is ready to eat. (for someone to eat it ~ to be eaten)
I have a few letters to write. (for me t
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