Expression: 'I am denied a sandwich by him'

[Tom]

Hi

I am sure that sometime ago I saw sentence(s) like this. But where? Memory refuses to serve me! :shock:

Are the following sentences correct and natural?

1- A sandwich is denied me by him.
2- I am denied a sandwich by him.

Tom

[Pamela]

Hi Tom,
Just my two cents.:roll:

Ex. I am denied a sandwich by him.

Seems normal to me. But l like this variant better:

Ex.He denied me a sandwich

[Alan]

Hi Tom,

Both seem quite unnatural to me. Why use the passive if you don't need to?

A
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[Tom]

Many, many thanks, Alan.

After two hours of constant effort, I submit:

http://www.englishforums.com/English/IsThisStructurallyCorrect/dnqdw/Post.htm

Tom

[Yankee]

Hi Tom

Just some comments:

I agree with Alan that both of your sentences sound quite unnatural. There is often a huge a difference between "structurally correct" and "natural".

In the link you gave you'll notice that the poster asked only about structural correctness. However, there is also a difference between using the simple present tense in those sentences (reference to peace) and in your sentences (reference to a sandwich). Your sentences would sound better in the past tense (for example).

Amy
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Prezbucky]

Amy and Alan are right, IMO.

And I like Pamela's version:

He denied me a sandwich.
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[Yankee]

Yes, Pamela's version is much more natural. Pamela also changed it to the simple past tense (active).

Tom, there is nothing in your sentences (no context) that justifies using the simple present tense (active or passive). Using the simple present tense makes your sentences sound doubly unnatural.
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln