Morrison: hadn't the least bit of control (AmE)

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Marius Hancu - 15 Jan 2010 12:02 GMT

Hello:

Now, in AmE, which one would you choose:
"hadn't the least bit of control"
or
"didn't/did not have the least bit of control?"

Both seem correct, thus on which basis would you be making the
choice?

---
[Hagar wanted to get revenge on Milkman]

Hagar looked surprised. She loved nothing in the world except this
woman's son, wanted him alive more than anybody, but hadn't the least
bit of control over the predator that lived inside her.

Toni Morrison, Song of Solomon, p. 137
---
--
Thanks.
Marius Hancu

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CDB - 15 Jan 2010 13:46 GMT

> Now, in AmE, which one would you choose:
> "hadn't the least bit of control"
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> Both seem correct, thus on which basis would you be making the
> choice?

As you say, "didn't have"is more common in NAmE, although "the least
bit" is a complicating factor. The difference seems to me to be
merely one of habit.

In this case, "had(n't)" is one of a series with "loved" and "wanted",
which would have been disrupted by the longer form. "Hadn't" prevails
on stylistic grounds.

> ---
> [Hagar wanted to get revenge on Milkman]
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> Toni Morrison, Song of Solomon, p. 137
> ---

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Marius Hancu - 16 Jan 2010 11:19 GMT

> > Now, in AmE, which one would you choose:
> > "hadn't the least bit of control"
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> which would have been disrupted by the longer form. "Hadn't" prevails
> on stylistic grounds.

And a reasonable take it seems to be.

> > ---
> > [Hagar wanted to get revenge on Milkman]
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> > Toni Morrison, Song of Solomon, p. 137
> > ---

Thanks.
Marius Hancu

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Discussion Groups / English Usage / January 2010

Morrison: hadn't the least bit of control (AmE)