Can we write this way?

Question

Hi from Turkey,Why do you constantly disagree with us?Can we write this way...Why are you constantly disagreeing with us?(present continous tense we use this style when we see " a surprise or irritation" as in this example "Jamie is always talking too loudly")But at the same time disagree is a state verb that cant  be used in progressive form????

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Why do you constantly disagree with us?

Can we write this way...

Why are you constantly disagreeing with us?

I really don't see much difference between these, particularly when they both include 'constantly'.

However, possibly #1 could be seen as 'the disagreements are always stopping and starting again', while #2 might be seen as 'the disagreement never stops'.

But at the same time disagree is a state verb that cant be used in progressive form???? I don't see why one can't say, during a debate:

A: You are speaking to me in a disrespectful way.

B: No, I am merely disagreeing with you.

This seems fine to me.

Best wishes, Clive

Saiing · Answer

Why do you constantly disagree with us?

This gives a general view that the person being questioned always seems to disagree about everything. and may be based on past experience.
Why are you constantly disagreeing with us?

This implies that the disagreement is related to what is happening at the time of speaking. For example, a conversation may be taking place in which one person consistently refuses to agree with the majoriy view.

CalifJim · Answer

There are non-progressive verbs, and then there are non-progressive verbs.
There's a degree of shading here. Some "non-progressive" verbs can be used in the progressive but with a slight difference in meaning. disagree is one. The progressive individuates the action, "makes a case" of it -- or "makes an example" of it. This is somewhat like the difference between traits and states.

You are foolish. (You are always foolish -- continuously, as a rule) (trait)
You are being foolish. (You are exhibiting a case of foolishness now.) (state)

I have a headache. (It is aching continuously, now. It is happening now.) (trait)
I'm having a headache. I'm having one of my headaches. (A case/example of my having a headache is now occurring.) (state)

You constantly disagree. (It's your nature. It's what you do -- generally -- as a rule.) (trait)
You are constantly disagreeing. (This is now a case of your constant disagreement. You're doing it again now. You are just now giving an example of this sort of thing that you do.) (state)

I find it difficult to understand math. (It's my nature.) (trait)
I'm finding it difficult to understand math. (Just now, perhaps with my math book open before me, I am experiencing an example of how difficult I find math.) (state)

CJ

Can we write this way?

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions