Is it ok ? "In your state, it is out of the question that you drive. I will take the wheel."
What would you say ?
Thank you in advance.
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Answers · 6
1
Yes, I agree with Neil that it would be better to rephrase it in a simpler way. The problem is the subjunctive. In French it's normal to use the subjunctive in everyday speech, whereas in English we try to avoid it if we can.
If you want to make the statement stronger, and include the 'out of the question' element, then you could maybe say 'You can't possibly drive in your state' or - more colloquially - 'There's no way you can drive in your state!'.
As for the 'take the wheel' idiom, yes, it does exist, but we don't tend to use it in conversation. It's more a feature of written language - advertising and journalism, for example.
1
"In your state, it is out of the question that you drive. I will take the wheel."
Generally Emma, this would be acceptable. However, there is another and equally common way of expressing this, as follows.
"In your condition...etc."
.
1
It's completely fine to phrase it like that. However if I heard that I would instantly know that you are foreign. A native speaker would say something like "the state you're in there's absolutely no way I'm letting you drive. I'll drive instead."
1
What you have is perfectly understandable, but a little unnatural. I'd say:
"You can't drive in your state. I'll drive instead."
0
I agree with the other members. It's technically correct and understandable, but very unnatural-sounding. Almost robotic. The problem is that you're using certain expressions and idioms out of context.
"Out of the question" is a very authoritative thing to say. The best I can suggest (if you really want to use this phrase) is "In your state, driving is out of the question." Still, the other suggestions are more natural.
"Take the wheel" is only used when you are already driving! Also, some casual form is needed, eg. "I'll take the wheel" or "Give me the wheel".
The standard "I'll drive instead" is your best choice. Alternately, "I'm driving."
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