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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