Brad, you're not alone. I wondered about #4 as well. Maybe there is an
objection to using "had to"? But what is the other option in the past tense
since there is no past for "must" in modern English? I suppose "were were
forced to" but that gives a much more passive meaning. Perhaps the author
objects to fronting the adverb phrase?

John

On Tue, Sep 20, 2011 at 5:56 PM, Brad Layton <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>  I'm reluctant to place my ignorance on public display :) , but ...
>
> What is "incorrect" about #4?
>
> (4)  Due to the rain, we had to cancel the picnic.
>
> Thanks,
> Brad Layton
>
>
>
>  -----Original Message-----
> From: Scott Catledge <[log in to unmask]>
> To: ATEG <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Mon, Sep 19, 2011 7:26 pm
> Subject: 'Bad' English
>
>  Trask in his *Why do Languages Change* includes (p. 10) nine sentences
> that he considered would be or shortly become
> accepted as "normal English grammar."  One of the sentences (number seven)
> is strictly conversational and unlikely
> to be encountered in normal writing: I consider the other eight to have
> egregious errors.  What do you think?
>
> (1)  I recommend you to take the job.
> (2)  He demanded that the agitators were arrested.
> (3)  This is just between you and I.
> (4)  Due to the rain, we had to cancel the picnic.
> (5)  This paper was written by Susie and myself.
> (6)  Please come between eight a.m. to six p.m.
> (7)  If he'd've played, we would have won.
> (8)  He makes tedious jokes about mother-in-laws.
> (9)  Having said that, there is no feasible alternative.
>
> Scott Catledge
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