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  1. #1

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    English experts

    which one is correct?

    i am proud of HSBC to be the leading bank in the world

    i am proud for HSBC to be the leading bank in the world

    the first one looks right to me but not sure. any natives here? ;-)


  2. #2

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    Neither looks good in British English.

    I am proud of HSBC for being the leading bank in the world

    would be better.

    proud of <someone> for <something>, or
    proud that <something/one> is <something>

    Even better might be:

    I am proud of HSBC for being the world's leading bank

    or even even better

    I am proud that HSBC is the world's leading bank

    Last edited by PDLM; 16-03-2010 at 03:30 PM.
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  3. #3

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    Or: I am proud that HSBC is the world's leading bank.

    (Although I can't verify the truth of the sentence. )


  4. #4

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    Or

    I am proud that HSBC is the leading bank in the world


  5. #5

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    Or "I deny that..."


  6. #6

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    i would say "that" instead of "of" just the the above posters.


  7. #7

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    PDLM 's words are fine. You can use a 'that' too if done correctly but it all depends on the context and where this is being used. If it is in a speech then it depends on the cadence and how it sounds to the speaker and what he is bridging too.

    Maybe the OP will come back and ask for help on the points he will make next which would be the evidence that they are the world's leading bank.


  8. #8

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    all good points, thanks. i guess i go with the 'that'

    here's another one:

    Since 1956, HSBC has been playing a leading role in screwing people

    or

    Since 1956, HSBC is playing a leading role in screwing people

    This is used in a press release (trying to avoid the embarrassment of the PR company catching us out when doing grammar check), so i thought that 'is' sounds better as it's more active than 'has been'

    though 'has been' is probably correct, is it?


  9. #9

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    Yes, "has been" is correct.

    I have to say that I am really quite stunned that HSBC doesn't have a native English speaker in house to write its press releases!

    (If this is indeed for HSBC, and if not then I think they might be upset at you using them as an example.)

    Last edited by PDLM; 16-03-2010 at 03:41 PM.
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  10. #10

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    if you use "SINCE" you must use "has been".... if you use "is" you are mixing up the tenses.


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