how many times

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

Moderator: Alan

Locked
azz
Rising Star
Rising Star
Posts: 296
Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2004 12:50 pm

how many times

Post by azz »

a. How many times can he tell you the same kind of lie and you will believe him?
b. How many times can he tell you the same kind of lie with you believing him?
c. How many times can he tell you the same kind of lie and have you believe him?


Which of the above are grammatically correct?

I am pretty sure (c) works. I think (c) would probably work in informal English. (b) seems to suggest that the lying and the believing are happening at the same time, so I don't think it works.

Many thanks
User avatar
Alan
Teacher/Moderator
Teacher/Moderator
Posts: 15237
Joined: Mon Dec 29, 2003 7:56 pm
Status: Teacher of English
Location: Japan

Re: how many times

Post by Alan »

All probably comprehensible in context but only (c) is suitable for formal use.
Locked