It was like using a watch that runs slow. (It=Egyptian calendar)
What was the Egyptian calendar similar to?
- using a watch that runs slow
- a watch that runs slow
Which one is correct?
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Tell us what you think and why, and we'll tell you if you're on the right track ;-)– LuckyFeb 21, 2016 at 14:53
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1 Answer
Actually neither is correct, it should be
like a watch that runs slowly
slowly is the adverb that modifies the verb runs
For your phrase examples, the Egyptian calendar is similar to both
The Egyptian calendar was similar to using a watch that runs slowly
in its usage, "Using the Egyptian calendar" is implied, or
The Egyptian calendar was similar to a watch that runs slowly.
describes how the Egyptian calendar itself runs. Better phrasing might be
The Egyptian calendar was like a slow running watch.
using the simile like to make an analogous comparison.
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In the specific case of a watch or clock, it's perfectly acceptable to say "a watch that runs slow" or "a watch that runs fast". A clock that runs slow/fast and a clock that runs quickly/slowly are completely different meanings. In the first, the indicated time does not match the actual time. In the second, the perceived or relative time is passing slowly or quickly.– ColleenVMar 22, 2016 at 16:30