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Fine Tree
07-16-2005, 03:30 AM
Can we say these all with basically the same meaning?
And please tell me if these are natural and common!

1. Please don't tell him.
2. I'd rather you did not tell him.
3. I'd rather you not tell him.
4. I wish you didn't tell him.
5. I wish you wouldn't tell him.
6. If only you didn't tell him.
7. Only that you didn't/wouldn't tell him.
8. Would that you didn't/wouldn't tell him.

Thanks in advance.

Rusty
07-16-2005, 12:57 PM
Can we say these all with basically the same meaning?
And please tell me if these are natural and common!

1. Please don't tell him.
2. I'd rather you did not tell him.
3. I'd rather you not tell him.
4. I wish you didn't tell him.
5. I wish you wouldn't tell him.
6. If only you didn't tell him.
7. Only that you didn't/wouldn't tell him.
8. Would that you didn't/wouldn't tell him.

Thanks in advance.

1. Please don't tell him. (Common)
2. I'd rather you did not tell him. (Common)
3. I'd rather you not tell him. (Common)
4. I wish you didn't tell him. (Unnatural).
5. I wish you wouldn't tell him. (Common)
6. If only you didn't tell him. (Unnatural).
Of only you wouldn't tell him. (Natural).
7. Only that you didn't/wouldn't tell him. (Unnatural)
8. Would that you didn't <strike>wouldn't</strike> tell him. (Uncommon).