Basically, it's fine to say "that thought never occurred to me." However, the writer is using that phrase as an argument against this particular claim. To my reading, he seems to be saying, "Well, SINCE that thought never occurred to me, THEREFORE I dismiss your argument, because if it was worthwhile, it WOULD have occurred to me."
It is a subtle point, I grant you, but the devil is in the details. :)
no subject
Basically, it's fine to say "that thought never occurred to me." However, the writer is using that phrase as an argument against this particular claim. To my reading, he seems to be saying, "Well, SINCE that thought never occurred to me, THEREFORE I dismiss your argument, because if it was worthwhile, it WOULD have occurred to me."
It is a subtle point, I grant you, but the devil is in the details. :)