...that not a single word ________to defend himself in court

[嘟嘟嘟嘟]

The young man felt so guilty about his drunk driving that not a single word did he say to defend himself in court.
The young man felt so guilty about his drunk driving that not a single word he said to defend himself in court.


Which of the above sentences is right in grammar? Thanks for help!

 

[tedmc]

The 2nd part is the same as:

..he did not say a single word to defend himself in court.

The 1st sentence is correct.

not a teacher

 

[MikeNewYork]

For me, the first sentence is not natural. Try "The young man felt so guilty about his drunk driving that he did not say a single word to defend himself in court."

The second sentence is not correct.

 

[emsr2d2]

The first is OK to me although the convoluted construction is not necessary. MikeNewYork's suggested revision is much more common and natural.

 

[Raymott]

The first sentence is correct, even if to some it is convoluted. To me it sounds natural enough.
2. is wrong.

 

[Polyester]

Where is incorrect in no.2 sentence?

 

[Raymott]

Where is incorrect in no.2 sentence?

There's no finite verb in the clause "... that not a single word he said to defend himself in court.
There is in "The young man felt so guilty about his drunk driving that not a single word he said to defend himself in court made any difference.