Is this sentence correct?

Some grammar rules (and embarrassing mistakes!) transcend the uniqueness of different regions and style guides. This new International Grammar section by OnlineBookClub.org ultimately identifies those rules thus providing a simple, flexible rule-set, respecting the differences between regions and style guides. You can feel free to ask general questions about spelling and grammar. You can also provide example sentences for other members to proofread and inform you of any grammar mistakes.

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Omneya Shakeep
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Icon Is this sentence correct?

Post by Omneya Shakeep »

Hi,
I read this sentence :
"The air was rife with tension, and something was going to give."
But I think it's incorrect, and should be:
"The air was rife with tension, and something was going to happen."
Or do they both give the same meaning, and I am wrong?
"Those who feel grateful, and are eternally generous, experience life at its richest."
Rob White.
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Melissa Best
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Post by Melissa Best »

They're both correct depending on intentions. "Something's going to give" is a phrase that's often used to imply some sort of tension building up to an event that's about to happen. So, you're right that something's going to happen here, it's just a stylistic choice on the author's part.

For reference, here's a link to a dictionary definition of the phrase:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/diction ... 0to%20give
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Omneya Shakeep
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Post by Omneya Shakeep »

Melissa Best wrote: 03 Feb 2023, 23:49 They're both correct depending on intentions. "Something's going to give" is a phrase that's often used to imply some sort of tension building up to an event that's about to happen. So, you're right that something's going to happen here, it's just a stylistic choice on the author's part.

For reference, here's a link to a dictionary definition of the phrase:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/diction ... 0to%20give
Hi,
Thank you for your help, this is very useful.
"Those who feel grateful, and are eternally generous, experience life at its richest."
Rob White.
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Donna Walker
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Post by Donna Walker »

I would consider this a stylistic choice by the author. Both are correct. 
 
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