While (a) is speaking in generalities about an action, (b) is referring to a specific action that “you” did with condemnation.
Is it correct to assume that “for” and “of” are basically applied as such nuances in this syntax?

(a) It’s wrong for a man to play with a woman’s affections.
(b) It’s wrong of you to trifle with her affections.

Also, the textbook’s explanation that “careless” is used in this syntax, but “careful” is not, is not quite clear to me. It seems to me that you could put it as “It was careful of her not to spill the water”, but is there any good reason for that?　

(a) She was careless (= It was careless of her) to spill the water.
(b) She was careful (= She took care) not to spill the water.

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anntnguyen

1 oct 2021

Respuesta destacada

Inglés (US)

Wow, that's a really good question. We never say "It was careful of her not to spill the water." A better sentence would be "It was mindful of her not to spill the water."

I'm sure sure why we never use "careful of her/him/them" but it sounds very weird. It sounds like one of those unusual outliers that you will need to remember. People will understand you if you say it but we wouldn't phrase it that way. The safest thing to say is "She was + adjective" if you're ever unsure.

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anntnguyen

1 oct 2021

Inglés (US)

Wow, that's a really good question. We never say "It was careful of her not to spill the water." A better sentence would be "It was mindful of her not to spill the water."

I'm sure sure why we never use "careful of her/him/them" but it sounds very weird. It sounds like one of those unusual outliers that you will need to remember. People will understand you if you say it but we wouldn't phrase it that way. The safest thing to say is "She was + adjective" if you're ever unsure.

Chongson

1 oct 2021

Japonés

@anntnguyen I see. Thank you very much for the advice!😃

It’s kind of mysterious to be able to say “It is careless of sb” but not “It is careful of sb”. haha
(And I found it even more interesting when I heard you say using “mindful” instead of “careful” would be better)💡

But I’ve heard something good from you! (= The safest thing to say is "She was + adjective" if you're ever unsure) ✍️

So I wonder the syntax “It is + adjective + of + object” itself sounds particular in a way.

English is interesting that especially since it uses a completely different syntax compared to my native tongue. 😳✨

Thanks anyway! It’s very helpuful and practical. 😎