> Dear Grammarians. > > My simple quiz has given us trouble. I need more replies to make a valid > point, so let me say it another way. There are four pairs below. They > need four 'X's, one for each pair. If you are moved to check more than > four, note that there is no way I can tally such equivocation. > > Context should not matter since the first verb is the same for each > pair. > > > ( ) They are amazed. They never heard of this song. > > ( x ) They are amazed. They have never heard of this song. > > > ( ) They were amazed. They never heard of this song. > > ( x ) They were amazed. They had never heard of this song. > > > ( ) John is upset because his application was turned down. > > ( x ) John is upset because his application has been turned down. > > > ( ) John was upset because his application was turned down. > > ( x ) John was upset because his application had been turned down. > > > The sequence: Click on "reply". Then insert four 'X's (and do not worry > about spacing; let the chips fall). Then click on "send" and away it > will go. > > Send it all back to [log in to unmask] if you please, not to the > listserv. We don't want to clog the pipe. > > .brad.sun.10feb08. > > > --------------------------------- > Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it > now. > > To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface > at: > http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html > and select "Join or leave the list" > > Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/ To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html and select "Join or leave the list" Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/