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 #2 (permalink) Wed Sep 05, 2007 20:04 pm usage of "lack", "lacking" |
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| Sentences (1a) and (2a) are definitely correct, Alex. (2c) sounds good to me, too. The others don't, but let's wait for another opinion. |
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Conchita
Language Coach
Joined: 26 Dec 2005
Posts: 2826
Location: Madrid, Spain
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| #3 (permalink) Wed Sep 05, 2007 20:08 pm usage of "lack", "lacking" |
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| lost_soul wrote: |
Hi, everyone !
I'm trying to figure out possible ways of using words lack, lacking Could you help me, please.
Basically could you pick up the phrases which you consider natural from the quote below.
| Quote: |
1a. I lack the ability to do this kind of thing OK
1b. I lack for the ability to do this kind of thing No
1c. I'm lacking in the ability to do this kind of thing OK
1d. I'm lacking for the ability to do this kind of thing No
2a. This place lacks privacy OK
2b. This place lacks for privacy No
2c. This place is lacking in privacy OK
2d. This place is lacking for privacy No
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Thanks |
Hi Alex
First off, in sentences 1a-d you should write either 'this kind of thing' or 'these kinds of things'.
Compare these two sentences:
Good job opportunities are quite lacking for people without a high school diploma.
People without a high school diploma will find the job market quite lacking in good opportunities.
In the first sentence, 'lacking' describes 'opportunities', not 'people'.
In the second sentence, 'lacking in opportunities' basically describes 'the job market'.
That's my take.
EDIT:
By the way, I view the word 'lacking' is as an adjective in all of the sentences in which it appears here. Others might disagree. :wink:
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Yankee
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 16 Apr 2006
Posts: 8316
Location: USA
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| #4 (permalink) Thu Sep 06, 2007 5:34 am usage of "lack", "lacking" |
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Hi, Amy and Conchita.
Many thanks for your help on my behalf !
Incidentally, Amy, I do agree with you that lacking is an adjective. In several textbooks I read that lack is not used in the continuous group of tenses :) It is like missing or failing, right ? |
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Lost_Soul
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 15 Sep 2006
Posts: 1861
Location: South Park, Colorado, USA
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| Usage of expressions: hold up; chew through | "those" or "the ones"? |
