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Phrase 'however many times' - is grammatically correct?



 
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Phrase 'however many times' - is grammatically correct? Thu Jun 15, 2006 21:21 pm  Phrase 'however many times' - is grammatically correct?
 

Hi,

I would like to know if the phrase however many times is grammatically correct? Could we use it in everyday conversation? Or no matter how many times could be prefered?

1- However many times you see the movie, you will enjoy it.
2- No matter how many times you see the movie,...

1- However many times you call him, he will come.

Thanks in advance

Tom
Tom
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Joined: 30 May 2006
Posts: 1976

Phrase: However many times: Thu Jun 15, 2006 22:31 pm  Phrase: However many times:
 

Hi Tom

I'd say that you can use either version:
1- However many times you see the movie, you will enjoy it.
2- No matter how many times you see the movie, you will enjoy it.

Yes, you can use "however many" in everyday conversation.

But this sentence sounds very strange (and doesn't make sense to me):
1- However many times you call him, he will come.

Amy
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Phrase: However many times: Thu Jun 15, 2006 22:37 pm  Phrase: However many times:
 

Amy, this sentence is used for a faithful friend who is always there whenever you need (call) him.

1- However many times you call me, I will be with you.

Does it still sound strange? If so, at least let me know, please. (I will go for some other structure Very Happy )

Ever yours
Tom
Tom
I'm a Communicator ;-)


Joined: 30 May 2006
Posts: 1976

Phrase: However many times: Thu Jun 15, 2006 22:49 pm  Phrase: However many times:
 

Yes, it still sounds strange.

Going back to your first sentence, the implication is:

However many times you see the movie, you will enjoy it every time.

If you want to give the same sort of meaning to this sentence:
However many times you call him, he will come.
Then, I would add the word "always":
However many times you call him, he will always come.

That sentence doesn't work well without the a little more clarification.

Amy
_________________
Amy
.
ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English
Yankee
I'm a Communicator ;-)


Joined: 16 Apr 2006
Posts: 7378
Location: Northeast US

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Expressions: off sick / out sick | Meaning of "heal to toe"
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