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usage of "run eye over"



 
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ESL Forum | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
Is it correct for acceptance? | Use of the word "good"
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usage of "run eye over" #1 (permalink) Thu Aug 19, 2010 6:21 am   usage of "run eye over"
 

Hello,

Could you advise me if you find any of the following wordings acceptable?

1. I was commissioned to run an eye over the assembled computer to make certain everything was in working order.
2. I was commissioned to run the eye over the assembled computer to make certain everything was in working order.
3. I was commissioned to run my eye over the assembled computer to make certain everything was in working order.

Thanks!
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usage of "run eye over" #2 (permalink) Thu Aug 19, 2010 7:12 am   usage of "run eye over"
 

#1 or #3, but not #2. Understand that the phrase is casual, so it does not quite match the formal register of the rest of the sentence.
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usage of "run eye over" #3 (permalink) Thu Aug 19, 2010 7:47 am   usage of "run eye over"
 

Hello MM,

Many thanks for your advice!

By the way, can I substitite "eyes" for "eye" in #1 and #3?
Such as:

1. I was going to run eyes over the assembled computer.
2. I was going to run my eyes over the assembled computer.

Thanks!
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usage of "run eye over" #4 (permalink) Thu Aug 19, 2010 8:03 am   usage of "run eye over"
 

#1 is not possible; #2 is possible, but the idiom remains 'run one's eye over'.
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usage of "run eye over" #5 (permalink) Thu Aug 19, 2010 8:04 am   usage of "run eye over"
 

Hello MM,
Now I've exhausted all the permutations and learned which are possible!
Thanks a bunch for your guidance!
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usage of "run eye over" #6 (permalink) Thu Aug 19, 2010 8:06 am   usage of "run eye over"
 

Hi OTS,

By using the plural 'eyes' there is a risk that this can sound comical because the idiom then changes into a 'literal' meaning. It would be similar to 'I can't put my finger on it' changed to 'I can't put my fingers on it', which then becomes 'literal' but in this case not comical/

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