Reply
Tue 29 Mar, 2016 07:00 am
My mother first introduced me to Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism when I was aged eight or nine. When I was 18 years old, my entire family received Gojukai. However, I did not take my practice seriously then. I was lazy and rebellious, and would always think of various reasons to not perform Gongyo and attend temple activities.
The last sentence is "I was lazy and rebellious, and would always think of various reasons to not perform Gongyo and attend temple activities". Is it better if I change the construction as shown below?
I was lazy and rebellious, and would always think of various reasons not to perform Gongyo and attend temple activities.
Thanks.
@tanguatlay,
Yes, I think "not to perform" is better.
Both are fine.
The old prescription was to never split an infinitive, e.g. "to perform," but there is no logical reason for the prescription. It was based on stylistic considerations taken from the Latin language. "To not perform," is clear, unambiguous and perfectly fine to use.
Subjective input on this one from a non native speaker. "To not" is more assertive then "not to"...other then that I think both can be used.
@tanguatlay,
'to not perform' sounds perfectly fine to me
Stumble It!
Tweet This
Bookmark on Delicious
Share on Facebook
Share on MySpace