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Irritating grammar question


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Which is the more acceptable use of grammar:

 

“I need to know of anyone that has not yet taken the exam”

 

“I need to know of anyone who has not yet taken the exam”

 

In short, should the word “anyone” be followed by the word “that” or “who”?

 

It’s bugging me and really shouldn’t.

 

Are we being biblical here?

 

None of the lines above is acceptable. Give me a few seconds and I'll find my nit-picking tweezers:

 

1st line: "Which is the more acceptable use of grammar:" It is customary to end a question with a question mark, but other than that, no problem.

 

2nd Line : “I need to know of anyone that has not yet taken the exam”

 

No you don't. What is your need?

 

Were the people who took the exam little boys? Did you have a need for little boys?

 

What is your 'need'?

 

3rd Line. "I need to know of anyone who has not yet taken the exam”

 

This fixation with 'Needs' is somewhat disconcerting.

 

4th Line: "It’s bugging me and really shouldn’t"

 

What, exactly, is 'bugging you and really shouldn't?

 

I (like many others) do find biting insect annoying, but not so annoying that I would add them to a list of seriously irritating things.

 

Have you considered discussing the things which seem to annoy you with a counsellor?

 

(If you're thinking of talking it over with my friend Janey pi88 off - She's MY councillor and I don't want her talking to arseholes like you!

 

Even though we live many thousands of miles apart. ;)

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