English question

1. I want very much for John to be on time.

2. I want very much John to be on time.

Which is correct and/or sounds better?

English is not my first language and any suggestions would be highly appreciated.

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PhoenixPhail · M

The second one is correct.

Penny · 46-50, F

@PhoenixPhail are you messing around lol?

PhoenixPhail · M

@Penny No. I think the first one sounds better, but I believe the second one is correct English.

Penny · 46-50, F

@PhoenixPhail i totally disagree lol

DarkHeaven ·

@PhoenixPhail @Penny they are both clunky but in the second one the placement of John without the for leaves it very ambiguous what we are attributing to John. First while very clunky, is much clearer on the actual meaning.

Penny · 46-50, F

@DarkHeaven well, the only way the second would be correct is if there were commas before and after "John" and they were speaking to John.

DarkHeaven ·

@Penny to be fair, they are both bad. Correct would be “I very much want John to be on time.”

Penny · 46-50, F

@DarkHeaven I do think that sounds okay but I personally would add the "for."

DarkHeaven ·

@Penny for still helps to clear up ambiguity, I agree. In that sentence it’s not necessarily needed but it doesn’t hurt.