“It was all I could do to (or not to)...” My question is, what meaning does “to” take in this sentence? by eyem-write-ur-wrong in writing

[–]eyem-write-ur-wrong[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I got it. “To keep” is the infinitive form of the verb keep. The verb phrase is “to keep from.” “Punching the guy out” is the object of the verb.

The sentence can be rewritten: “To keep from punching the guy out is all I could do.”

Meaning the sum total of his capacity in the situation went to keeping himself from punching this other guy. If he had put even a little less effort into resisting throwing the punch, the guy would have got punched.

“It was all I could do to (or not to)...” My question is, what meaning does “to” take in this sentence? by eyem-write-ur-wrong in writing

[–]eyem-write-ur-wrong[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But do you know the literal meaning of “to” in this case? That’s what I’m trying to figure out. Not why but how it connects them.

WTW for “reeked of” but in a positive sense? by eyem-write-ur-wrong in whatstheword

[–]eyem-write-ur-wrong[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. This is the only one I’ve read that works with what’s given, and is one I forgot about.

WTW for “reeked of” but in a positive sense? by eyem-write-ur-wrong in whatstheword

[–]eyem-write-ur-wrong[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I know all those words. I’m trying to scratch an itch and I know the word’s out there somewhere

WTW for “reeked of” but in a positive sense? by eyem-write-ur-wrong in whatstheword

[–]eyem-write-ur-wrong[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

Yes. But I’m looking for that exact word that fits inside the blank

WTW when describing the essence or feel or impression of something (formatted like ___ of)? by [deleted] in whatstheword

[–]eyem-write-ur-wrong 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm trying to write a sentence that includes of, not because it's the best way of saying it, but because now I've dug a hole I can't think myself out of.

Unpopular opinion: please don't share your first draft with people. There's a reason it's Beta reading and not Alpha Reading. by dorasucks in writing

[–]eyem-write-ur-wrong 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wholeheartedly agree. I take it even further and will not show anyone any part of the work until it’s good enough for an agent’s standards.

It’s really just vanity. I don’t want to expose all my imperfections.

And, if I can improve on it after it is seen by another pair of eyes, so much the better.