Please amend

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi,

Can anyone please amend this sentence:

Many people often complain about not getting what they want. Instead, they should be happy for not getting what they often deserve.

Thanks,
Torsten[YSaerTTEW443543]

TOEIC listening, photographs: Building in progress[YSaerTTEW443543]

2

Why did you decide that there was something wrong with this sentence?

I would have said: Many people often complain about not getting what they want. Instead, they should be happy that they are not getting what they often deserve., but I am not sure that it makes the sentence any better.

3

Hi Milanya,

Thanks a lot for your swift response. I picked this phrase up from a German comedian and thought it might an idea to translate it into English…[YSaerTTEW443543]

TOEIC listening, photographs: On the farm[YSaerTTEW443543]

4

I like the idea. There are a few ways to rephrase the sentence but I doubt that it will make it any better. It is goog enough as it is.

5

Hi Dear Torsten,
I think it’s better to use “continually” before “getting” in Milanya’s sentence,don’t you?OR
Is it also right to use “subjunctive”?
They should be happy that they not be getting …
Regards,
Morteza

6

Hi Morteza,

I’m afraid the subjunctive isn’t needed here.

Alan

7

I’d even say the subjunctive would not be according to idiom. In such cases the subjunctive is supposed to be used (mainly in America) after a verb like “command” or “insist” that has potential influence on whether the verb in the subordinate clause will happen or not. Verbs such as in “to be happy (that)” or “to hope (that)” do not exert any influence on the outcome and should not be followed by a subjunctive (nor by “should”).

8

Hi,
I thank you,Alan and Cerberus,for your kind explanation.
Morteza