0
Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Grammar
be kept ---ing
I'd appreciate it if someone would answer my question. Thanks in advance.
Are the following 2 sentences correct?
A: The train was not so crowded, but Jack kept standing all the way because he thought it might be good for his health.
B: The train was so crowded that Jack kept standing all the way.
I think A is OK, but concerning B it seems there is a leap in logic; I think B should be "The train was very crowded and there wasn't any vacant seat (any room for sitting), so Jack kept standing all the way". Is my explanation right?
Are the following 2 sentences correct?
A: The train was not so crowded, but Jack kept standing all the way because he thought it might be good for his health.
B: The train was so crowded that Jack kept standing all the way.
I think A is OK, but concerning B it seems there is a leap in logic; I think B should be "The train was very crowded and there wasn't any vacant seat (any room for sitting), so Jack kept standing all the way". Is my explanation right?
Top answer
First, the words “kept standing” imply a repeated action. Instead, “remained standing” would be better for a continuous action. The train was not --so-- crowded, but Jack remained standing all the way; because he… (so is unnecessary) Because the train was so crowded, Jack remained standing all the way.
- First, the words “kept standing” imply a repeated action.
- Instead, “remained standing” would be better for a continuous action.
- The train was not --so-- crowded, but Jack remained standing all the way; because he… (so is unnecessary) Because the train was so crowded, Jack remained standing all the way.
- (No, I think a person familiar with commuting by train would need no explanation.
- )
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
8 Answers
0
First, the words “kept standing” imply a repeated action. Instead, “remained standing” would be better for a continuous action.
- The train was not --so-- crowded, but Jack remained standing all the way; because he… (so is unnecessary)
- Because the train was so crowded, Jack remained standing all the way.
00
---Than you Wilpeter for your kind reply. And sorry I'm late in replying back. I see your idea very much about "keep standing", but how about "be kept standing"? Is "be kept standing" also only used for expressing repeated action? I'll give you a few samples; A: She was kept standing in a cold room while being interrogated about her activities. B: The train was so crowded that I was kept
00
Both A and B are correct.
"to be kept standing" is the receiving end of someone else's action or command; whereas "I remained standing" is more of an ongoing voluntary action. I kept standing is a repeated voluntary action.
"to be kept standing" is the receiving end of someone else's action or command; whereas "I remained standing" is more of an ongoing voluntary action. I kept standing is a repeated voluntary action.
00
--- Thank you wilpeter. You said "to be kept standing" is the receiving end of someone else's action or command. Then is "to be kept standing" in A the receiving end of someone else's command of the continuation of standing, and is it in B that of the repetition of standing?
One more please; is the phrase "to be kept standing" not so common?
One more please; is the phrase "to be kept standing" not so common?
00
AnonymousOne more please; is the phrase "to be kept standing" not so common?It is rather common.
We were kept standing for several minutes outside the theater while they rebooted their ticket-taking system.
The theater staff could not take our tickets, so we had to wait outside. There was no place to sit, so we had to stand there.
00
Yes, “to be kept standing” in A – receiving end.
No, “I was kept standing” in B – receiving end.
True, “to be kept standing” is uncommon. As a child in school, as punishment, I was told to stand in the corner and was kept standing.
“I stood all the way home in the train” is likely either a voluntary action or necessary because of the lack of seats.
Sorry for the delay.
No, “I was kept standing” in B – receiving end.
True, “to be kept standing” is uncommon. As a child in school, as punishment, I was told to stand in the corner and was kept standing.
“I stood all the way home in the train” is likely either a voluntary action or necessary because of the lack of seats.
Sorry for the delay.
00
0
Related Questions