Reply To: Why Do People Speak This Way?

haifagirl- So the question is, why don’t you want to? The choice is sound like an intelligent person or sound like an ignorant person. It would seem to me the choice is obvious.

It’s time for some grammar lessons.

In your first sentence although the comma is fairly acceptable, it should be replaced by a colon. Also, in order for your statement to be more pointed, it should be changed to this:- So then the question is: why don’t you want to? Clarity is key.

Next.

The choice is sound like an intelligent person or sound like an ignorant person.

This sentence connotes grammatical ignorance of the greatest measures, and should warrant the immediate revocation of your grammar-policing badge. It is incorrect and redundant.

Here are two correct versions of your sentence:

The choice is: sound like an intelligent person, or sound like an ignorant one.

Or,

The choice is to sound like an intelligent person, or to sound like an ignorant one.

Next.

It would seem to me the choice is obvious.

Your third sentence makes a different meaning of ‘choice’ than the second. You shoul have written:

It would seem to me the answer is obvious.

Sincerely yours,

playtime,

in defense of Shopping613