Questions tagged [to-be-deletion]
The to-be-deletion tag has no usage guidance.
9 questions
12
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Differences between Verb + to be + adjective and Verb + adjective
What are the differences between these two sentences?
These two guys seem to be inseparable.
These two guys seem inseparable.
I can intuitively say that the latter one is grammatically wrong. Could ...
- 245
6
votes
2
answers
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Omitting "is", like in "I think it strange"
What is the grammar behind the construction "I think it strange/necessary that ...", and when can and cannot this apparent omission of the copula be used? Do we always need the "that" clause?
Also, ...
- 476
6
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3
answers
252
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What is the purpose of 'to be' in this sentence and is it grammatically incorrect if it is omitted?
It (Parasite) is the first-ever South Korean film to be nominated for an Oscar.
A student of mine asked me why there is 'to be' in this sentence.
What is the purpose of 'to be' in this sentence and ...
- 71
5
votes
1
answer
712
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There seems (to be) a [doubt etc]. There seems (to be) little [doubt]
There seems to be a problem.
There seems a problem.
In this type of construction, the version with to be, such as (1), is much more productive than the one without, such as (2). See this Ngram: ...
- 7,314
4
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4
answers
1k
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Use of "elide" --common or esoteric? [closed]
Is the word "elide" a word commonly used by English speakers, or is it a more esoteric word used in law or crossword puzzles?
- 41
2
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4
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What type of grammar construction is "She thinks herself (to be) able to..."?
She thinks herself able to best him in this argument.
She thinks that she is able to best him in this argument.
She thinks herself to be able to best him in this argument.
Are the first and the ...
- 77
2
votes
2
answers
150
views
Clause in sentence
John found it surprising that Wayne played the tuba.
That Wayne played the tuba is the clause, but what kind is it? I am completely stuck on this and can't figure it out.
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1
vote
1
answer
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"To be" in front of adjective? [duplicate]
Do we need "to be"(or a form of 'to be') before adjectives? For example:
I want my hair black.
I want my hair to be black.
This is ready to publish.
This is ready to be published.
I ...
- 73
0
votes
2
answers
453
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What's the difference between "think it helpful" and "think it's helpful"? [duplicate]
Is the following a valid sentence?
I think it helpful to mention the caveats in the document.
If so, how is the meaning different from this:
I think it's helpful to mention the caveats in the ...
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