'Both' and 'either'
I have found in an English grammar:
Some verbs (called ergative verbs) can have both agent and recipient subjects.
Ex He opened the door. The door opened.
My question: is it here correct both...and? Or it's here better either...or...?
Because the sentence should have 1 subject not 2...

Question

'Both' and 'either'
I have found in an English grammar:
Some verbs (called ergative verbs) can have both agent and recipient subjects. 
Ex He opened the door. The door opened.
My question: is it here correct both...and? Or it's here better either...or...?
Because the sentence should have 1 subject not 2...

Answer

I believe I understand your dilemma. "The door opened" could be considered actually passive voice. ("The door was opened by him.") Some people consider this usage a middle voice. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ergative_verb .

Answers · 2

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