have not even written, haven't so much as written?
Hi guys,
I'm trying to rephrase this original sentence (a) to (b). Is that correct? Any other suggestions would be welcome, too.
a. I have not even written the first chapter, much less finished the book.
b. I haven't so much as written the first chapter, not to mention finished the book.
Search from various English teachers...
Answers · 10
1
Probably the main reason people here dislike b is because it is wrong. The correct form is:
I haven't so much as written the first chapter, let alone finished the book.
This isn't particularly old fashioned or formal.
1
A) is better, though it is difficult to explain why. B) is technically correct, but it sounds strange; it's not something a native speaker would say.
0
sentence A is fine but you could also say "let alone" instead of "much less"
0
B sounds very formal, and its not very natural. A fits better
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