Alexios
Are the following sentences grammatically correct ? 1/ "There's no telling when the storm is going to end end" 2/ "If we go on like this, there's no telling where we'll end up in 1 year time" 3/ "Stop pushing me around! There's no telling what a desperate man can do!" Thanks
Dec 16, 2021 5:47 PM
Answers · 2
1
Assuming that the two "end's" is a typo, #1 is correct. In number 2, you need to use the possessive form of the word "year." And it is usually considered good style to write out small numbers--perhaps 1-20--in words. So, "If we go on like this, there's no telling where we'll end up in one year's time." Or, "a year's time." In number 3, the grammar is correct. As a matter of style and word choice, and depending on your meaning, it would probably be better to say "will" instead of "can." There is a small usage distinction between "can" and "will." "Can" refers to capability. "I can carry a 10-kg bag of sand." The word "will" expresses volition, desire, want. For example, "I hate avocados! My teeth are fine, I certainly can eat avocados, but I will only eat them if I have no other choice."
December 16, 2021
1
1. "There's no telling when the storm is going to end." This is correct for speaking, or if you are writing character dialogue in a novel because it sounds very colloquial. If it is not spoken language or dialogue, "There is no telling..." is better. 2. "If we go on like this, there's no telling where we'll end up in 1 year's time." In this sentence, "time" belongs to "year", so it is "year's time". 3. "Stop pushing me around! There's no telling what a desperate man can do!" Yes, this is a good sentence. You can also use "might do".
December 16, 2021
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