![]() ![]() In this sentence Jack is acting as an object of shocked, whereas in the first sentence he was the subject. But it does allow for sentences like this one, The report shocked Jack more than me, since this sentence is understood to be The report shocked Jack more than it shocked me. ![]() The traditional rule, therefore, requires the sentence Jack is taller than I (not me), since the full sentence is understood to be Jack is taller than I am. In other words, the pronoun that follows than is determined by whether it serves as the subject or object of the verb “understood.” In this sentence, the name Jill is standing in for the full clause Jill is. This means that sentences such as Jack is taller than Jill should be construed as an elliptical version of the sentence Jack is taller than Jill is. (Wrong)įor over 300 years, grammarians have insisted that than be regarded as a conjunction, as opposed to a preposition, in all of its uses. I would prefer to eat sooner rather then later.I would prefer to eat sooner rather than later.So, the second sentence isn’t necessarily wrong in all meanings, it’s just wrong when your intended meaning is a comparison, not an ordered list of events. The second says you prefer to eat first and sleep second. The first sentence says you prefer (right now at least) eating to sleeping. In the above example using rather then or than, the two sentences communicate different meanings. More than less than less than more than.In the following phrases, than should be used. There are a few popular phrases that use than that people aren’t sure whether to use then or than. No matter what you are comparing, whether it be time, money, speed, if a comparison is taking place, than is the correct word choice. In all of these examples, than is used to introduce a comparison between two things. Than is a conjunction that is used for making comparisons between elements, objects, people, etc. Keep this in mind for later when I give you the trick to remember. The bill was signed by then President Ronald Reagan.Īs you can see, most of the uses of then have to do with time.The decision was made by then chairman Bill Gates.The use of then as an adjective is much more limited. If there is heavy traffic, then I might be late.Īll four of these uses are uses of then as an adverb.If the weather is bad, then my flight will get canceled.First you need a license, and then you can drive.The glasses are $100, and then there is sales tax.We filled up the car and then began the trip.We saw a movie and then went out for dinner.Next in time, space, or order immediately afterward.Come over this afternoon I’ll be ready then. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |