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 > 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/ > 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/