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jazz
jazz asked in Education & ReferenceTeaching · 1 decade ago

What rules in grammar apply to these?

Hi everyone:)

The following sentences in the S-V-IO-DO pattern are correct:

-He gave Anna a book.

-He gave her a book.

WHY are these ones wrong?

-He gave Anna it.

-He gave her it.

If I modify the sentence so that the book is the direct object, WHY is there a need to use a preposition before Anna or her?

-He gave a book to Anna.

-He gave it to Anna.

-He gave it to her.

Thank you very much!

Update:

Hi Karen,

Thanks.

I understand that in formal English some people consider "these/those ones" incorrect. But in the grammar book I am looking at now, "these ones" and "those ones" are used in a sentence. "Ones" is optional, though.

-These (ones) are the sweetest, but those (ones) taste best.

Note: I also think there should be "the" before best because best is an adjective in the superlative degree.

From now on I will avoid using "these/those ones".

Thanks again!

(English Grammar in Use by Martin Hewings; Unit 77, page 154, Section C )

1 Answer

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  • Kathleen J
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    I don't know the answer to your question but I know that you NEVER say 'these ones'!!!!! It should be 'why are these wrong.'

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