• TheOakTree@lemm.ee
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    5
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    18 hours ago

    “This can’t possibly be the same 9PM at which I once would prepare for outings.”

    Does this work better, or am I crazy?

    • dzsimbo@lemm.ee
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      3
      ·
      17 hours ago

      Yes, but with “fixing” the structure, you have robbed it of colloquialism. Maybe it’s just me projecting.

      I lived among non-native speakers for the longest time, and shaped my English using my knowledge of other languages to bridge some gaps in communication. Now I’m back to a native environment and catch myself slipping up with my invented phrases.

      The thing is, I can’t find another combination of words to convey the exact sentiment so succintly, even though I’m not sure it’s gramatically correct.