Leon^_^
Jr. Member Writer
Posts: 29
Registered: 3/3/2010
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Random phrasing question...
If you were stating that a wall had a door, would you say "the wall held a door" or "the wall contained a door"? Or is there a better way to say it?
The more I think about it the more nothing sounds right. 
"`Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?'
`That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,' said the Cat.
`I don't much care where--' said Alice.
`Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat.
`--so long as I get SOMEWHERE,' Alice added as an explanation.
`Oh, you're sure to do that,' said the Cat, `if you only walk long enough.'"
~Lewis Carroll
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Melanie
Founding Member
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Mood: In the inquisition chamber with the killer.
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Is someone going through the door, or opening the door, or something like that?
I wouldn't say anything like, "the wall had a door in it." I would only mention the door or the wall if something interesting was happening with
it.
The door creaked open...
The wall shuddered when he slammed the door...
The door had always mystified Joanie. She knew there was no room on the other side, so why was it there?
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sharkbytes
Master Writer
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Location: Michigan
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Mood: anxious for the last 3 miles
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There was a door in the wall
A door breeched the wall
the wall was breeched by a door
the plain wall was broken by a door
why not just- the wall had a door- where you started
the wall had a door located just off-center
really... are we overthinking this?
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Leon^_^
Jr. Member Writer
Posts: 29
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It's more of a scientist describing her surroundings as accurately as possible.
I understand your point though, and appreciate the help. 
"`Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?'
`That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,' said the Cat.
`I don't much care where--' said Alice.
`Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat.
`--so long as I get SOMEWHERE,' Alice added as an explanation.
`Oh, you're sure to do that,' said the Cat, `if you only walk long enough.'"
~Lewis Carroll
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Leon^_^
Jr. Member Writer
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And it does feel over thought
"`Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?'
`That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,' said the Cat.
`I don't much care where--' said Alice.
`Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat.
`--so long as I get SOMEWHERE,' Alice added as an explanation.
`Oh, you're sure to do that,' said the Cat, `if you only walk long enough.'"
~Lewis Carroll
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TeriS
Accentuate Writer!
Posts: 537
Registered: 6/29/2009
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Mood: No Mood
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As a description for a room, something like:
On the left side of the (starkly white, sterilized, etc etc) room was an (ornate, plain, glass, metal, etc) door.
Or:
On the right side of the room was a door that led to the.....(insert word here)
Something along those lines... it's hard to know exactly what to say since I don't know exactly how you are picturing the room or the door...
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WNed
Accentuate Writer!
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Location: NY
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Mood: Mostly Harmless
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I agree with Melanie that the door would be best introduced during some action involving it, however... If you just happen to be in
a descriptive mood, or are writing for an architectural digest, you might say, "There were three walls, one of which had a door. In place of the
fourth wall, the audience was seated opposite the wall with the door." Or, you could be more precise: "The wall was six meters long, with a door
located three meters from the Northern most end."
How's that work?
Ned
I tried mature, rational, adult. Read the end of Don Quixote to see how that worked out.
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Leon^_^
Jr. Member Writer
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Thanks everyone for the ideas. I'm going to try mixing a few, and see how I feel about it. It might just be one of those times where I need to walk
away for a bit.
"`Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?'
`That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,' said the Cat.
`I don't much care where--' said Alice.
`Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat.
`--so long as I get SOMEWHERE,' Alice added as an explanation.
`Oh, you're sure to do that,' said the Cat, `if you only walk long enough.'"
~Lewis Carroll
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Melanie
Founding Member
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Registered: 1/17/2008
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Mood: In the inquisition chamber with the killer.
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| Quote: | | It's more of a scientist describing her surroundings as accurately as possible. |
Ahh.. I see.
You could say, "A white door stands (or stood, depending on tenses) halfway down the west wall."
Or what Teri said.
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Thomas Forthe (Tom)
Literary Master
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Location: almost certainly
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Mood: persnickative
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The seeming endless white wall was broken by a huge oak portal that locked occupants in while keeping the riffraff out. Wrought iron hinges supported
the weight as Black iron handles allowed for access to the lucky few, to and fro....
"Two things are infinite; The universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the universe."
Albert Einstein
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Leon^_^
Jr. Member Writer
Posts: 29
Registered: 3/3/2010
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Thanks for the great suggestions everyone
"`Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?'
`That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,' said the Cat.
`I don't much care where--' said Alice.
`Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat.
`--so long as I get SOMEWHERE,' Alice added as an explanation.
`Oh, you're sure to do that,' said the Cat, `if you only walk long enough.'"
~Lewis Carroll
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