Witness

[Dimandja]

1. We were witness to that event.
2. We were witnesses of that event.

Are those sentences correct and mean the same thing?
How would you rather phrase it?

 

[elanor]

Hi Dimandja!
Because I usually take the easy way out, I avoid any decision and go with "We witnessed that event."
Thanks!
Elanor

 

[donbott]

Hey, I wasn't even in the neughborhood, officer!

Actually I'm comfortable with all three versions.

DonBott

 

[tsdragon]

I believe that "witnesses of" sounds very awkward. I think "witnesses to" better. Other than that either is equally acceptable to me. The "witnesses to" form seems to just slightly empasize the witnesses over the event.


Tracy Dryden

Meddle not in the affairs of dragons,
For you are crunchy, and good with mustard.

 

[CajunCenturion]

I feel somewhat differently.

If you're using witness as a noun, which is clearly the case in the second sentence, then it should be plural. Therefore, in the first sentence, either 'witness' is incorrect because it's singular, or it is being used as part of the verb. If it's part of the verb, then its use implies participation, either in the event itself, or in proceedings about the event.

Good Luck
--------------
To get the most from your Tek-Tips experience, please read FAQ181-2886
As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein