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Wu Ting
How would you interpret this sentence?
How would you interpret this sentence ‘Hadn’t you ought to put your hat on even under the canvas at noon’?
I would think it is more usual to say ‘Oughtn’t you to put your hat on…’.
What do you think?
Thank you.
The excerpt is taken from the short story ‘The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber’ written by Ernest Hemingway.
The excerpt:
Wilson looked over at her without smiling and now she smiled at him.
“It’s been a very strange day,” she said. “Hadn’t you ought to put your hat on even under the canvas at noon? You told me that, you know.”
“Might put it on,” said Wilson.
“You know you have a very red face, Mr. Wilson,” she told him and smiled again.
29 gen 2019 14:37
Risposte · 4
1
I know that the Brits still use this construction. I wasn't aware that the Americans used to use it as well (Hemingway was American). I would imagine that it is only used in the UK nowadays, as I have only heard people from the UK use it.
It may follow some old grammar rule that is obsolete. That is something someone else will have to comment on.
29 gennaio 2019
1
Hello Wu Ting
Your alternate is ideal but today you'd likely see "shouldn't you" and perhaps "oughtn't" would appear more formal but if you are reading classic literature you'll definitely see this construction
We have alternates of should-ought to-have to- have a look at your grammar reference on modal verbs for obligation and necessity or advice and suggestions where these will be used
Enjoy your reading
29 gennaio 2019
You could say 'Oughtn't you put your hat on'
However 'Hadn't you ought to put...' is correct.
29 gennaio 2019
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Wu Ting
Competenze linguistiche
Cinese (mandarino), Inglese, Francese
Lingua di apprendimento
Inglese
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