Didn't vs. Wasn't

Question

Her little brother annoyed her most of the time, that is to say, when he didn't infuriate her/wasn't infuriating her.

Does this mean the exact same? Or is there some subtle difference to which I'm not privy?

Please inform me of the advantages/disadvantages to each? Thanks.

Samir1 · Accepted Answer

Anyone?

CalifJim · Answer

Samir1~~Does this mean the exact same?~~ Do these have the exact same meaning?

Almost. when he didn't infuriate her focuses on those occasions when he infuriated her. when he wasn't infuriating her focuses on the activity of infuriating her.

He annoyed her most of the time. He infuriated her the rest of the time.
He annoyed her most of the time. He was busy infuriating her the rest of the time.

In the second version there is perhaps a greater sense that her brother was purposely thinking up ways of infuriating her.

Not a lot of difference.

CJ

Didn't vs. Wasn't

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