Metkagram
EN RU

B2–C1 · GFB · GFB020

How + was/were + subject + to know + embedded clause?

Explanation

A reusable frame from “Modal scope and past inference”. Compare how English and German express modal scope and past inference. Practise reusable constructions with Russian translations.

Structure

EN · EnglishHow + was/were + subject + to know + embedded clause?
DE · GermanWoher + sollte(n) + subject + wissen, dass + clause?

Anchor phrase

RU · Translation

Откуда мне было знать, что вход изменился?

EN · English

How was I to know the entrance had changed?

DE · German

Woher sollte ich wissen, dass der Eingang verlegt worden war?

Try variations2 · more examples

  1. RU · Translation

    Откуда нам было знать, что тебе нужна помощь?

    EN · English

    How were we to know you needed help?

    DE · German

    Woher sollten wir wissen, dass du Hilfe brauchtest?

  2. RU · Translation

    Откуда ей было знать, что файл устарел?

    EN · English

    How was she to know the file was outdated?

    DE · German

    Woher sollte sie wissen, dass die Datei veraltet war?

Pattern graph

Continue with nearby patterns

GFB011Subject + was/were supposed to have + past participle + by + deadlineGFBGFB018Subject + should know better than to + infinitiveGFBGFB002Subject + did not need to + infinitive, so + past outcomeGFBGFB001Subject + need not have + past participleGFB