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7
votes
3answers
283 views
Why “answer me” but not “answer me the question”?
Why are "answer me" and "answer the question" acceptable but not "answer me the question"? Is it similar to "explain me (something)"?
44
votes
5answers
3k views
What's wrong with “I'll open you the door”?
When I call the buzzer outside my girlfriend's flat, she sometimes says *"I'll open you the door". I correct this to "I'll open the door for you".
I've never heard a native speaker say it the first ...
2
votes
1answer
80 views
Usage of begrudge
While looking up this word, I found a weird usage, for example:
She begrudged Martin his affluence
She begrudged her friend the award.
Applying common sense, it's clear that she envied her ...
1
vote
1answer
111 views
Can I say “acquire someone something”?
It’s common to say “someone acquires something”, but is it OK to say “acquires someone something”?
For example, it is possible to say
His character acquires him a good name.
...
