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How to correct these into natural English

 
 
Jaqen
 
Reply Sun 10 May, 2015 03:40 pm
Here is a trio of somewhat clunky-sounding sentences. They're all trying to say "I feel we were never happy with each other" (relation between two business owners). How to say it more elegantly?

I don't think we both companies have been mutually happy with each other.
I don't think we both companies have been on the same page.
I don't think we both companies have seen eye to eye on things.
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Type: Question • Score: 5 • Views: 818 • Replies: 10
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View best answer, chosen by Jaqen
Ragman
 
  2  
Reply Sun 10 May, 2015 03:51 pm
@Jaqen,
You can say it however you want in the second half...but the first half should read, "I don't think both of our companies...have been ..."etc.
Jaqen
 
  1  
Reply Sun 10 May, 2015 04:02 pm
@Ragman,
Thanks! 'we both companies' soooo didn't sit right with me! That's so much better.
Ragman
 
  2  
Reply Sun 10 May, 2015 04:04 pm
@Jaqen,
Congrats and well done. Good luck.
0 Replies
 
layman
  Selected Answer
 
  0  
Reply Sun 10 May, 2015 05:14 pm
@Jaqen,
Quote:
I don't think we both companies have been mutually happy with each other.


If you ask me, the word "both" is wrong. You could say I don't think "either" of our companies (if you left out the word "mutually" later). You could also just leave it out entirely and say "I don't think our companies....

The word "mutually" already implies a reciprocal feeling on that score (or, at a minimum, that any happiness that may have been felt by one company was NOT reciprocated by the other).

Of course, it depends on just exactly what you are trying to say. For example: "Neither of our companies have been happy with the other" would basically say "We don't like each other."
Jaqen
 
  1  
Reply Sun 10 May, 2015 05:43 pm
@layman,
Thank you so much again layman! This is another batch from the native speaker I told you about yesterday Smile
layman
 
  1  
Reply Sun 10 May, 2015 05:51 pm
@Jaqen,
Quote:
This is another batch from the native speaker I told you about yesterday


Here's a little gratuitous advice for you, Jaqen: Don't listen to another word he says if you're trying to understand English. On the other hand, if you just want to show how wrong he is, and rub it in his face, well, that's up to you.
Jaqen
 
  1  
Reply Sun 10 May, 2015 06:40 pm
@layman,
LOL Thanks!
0 Replies
 
molokow
 
  0  
Reply Mon 11 May, 2015 02:10 am
@Jaqen,
I do not think that both companies have reached an understanding with each other.
I do not like to use 'don't'.

You can remove 'that'.
Tes yeux noirs
 
  1  
Reply Mon 11 May, 2015 01:31 pm
@molokow,
Quote:
I do not like to use 'don't'.

Why not? It is often more appropriate, especially in informal contexts.
izzythepush
 
  0  
Reply Tue 12 May, 2015 05:23 am
@Tes yeux noirs,
Maybe he's a Geordie.

http://sd.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/i/divn-t-calm-doon-and-gan-radge.png
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