where did NEVER go?

sissybaby · Jul 26, 2011

Arrgghhh! I can't figure out how to word this. Can someone help?

I don't know which is the correct way to write this sentence:

I never would have let that happen.

I would never have let that happen.

I would have never let that happen.

Never would I have let that happen.

If I spoke those words, I would use the first instance, but I don't speak grammatically correct. My character doesn't either, but I don't want to make a glaring mistake in my ms.

Thanks for any help.

Sissybaby

Becca_H · Jul 26, 2011

I would go for the first, based on it looking correct to me. The second also looks okay. A grammar wizard may suggest otherwise.

If it's first person narration or dialogue, I wouldn't worry too much about being correct if it's meant to have a conversational tone anyway.

Squidd · Jul 26, 2011

The first is the most natural, the second is the best way to emphasize the "never." I would say they're all grammatical, though.

Terie · Jul 26, 2011

All are grammatically correct. Ah, the flexibility of the English language!

Therefore, you have to choose which one sounds natural to the character/narrator saying it.

sissybaby · Jul 26, 2011

Thank you so much for making it so much easier! just kidding.

I simply didn't want to make a huge mistake, so if all of them are acceptable, I'll stick with the first.

where did NEVER go?

sissybaby

Becca_H

Where am I again?

Squidd

the extra D is for "dashing"

Terie

Writer is as Writer does

sissybaby