enjoy / be enjoying

Question

I've just read this: "He seemed to enjoy the game." Shouldn't it be "He seemed to be enjoying the game."At least we say "I'm enjoying the game" (present continuous) and not "I enjoy the game", right?

Fivejedjon · Accepted Answer

Anonymous I've just read this: "He seemed to enjoy the game." Shouldn't it be "He seemed to be enjoying the game."

It depends on the context.

Anonymous I'vAt least we say "I'm enjoying the game" (present continuous) and not "I enjoy the game", right?

"I enjoy the game" is fine in the right context

CalifJim · Answer

He seemed to enjoy the game.
To me this suggests that after the game was finished, he made remarks that indicated his enjoyment, or at least the speaker was able to summarize it this way later on the basis of what he thought might be the content of such remarks.

He seemed to be enjoying the game.
To me this suggests that when I recall his behavior at the game, I conclude that his behavior at that time indicated his enjoyment.

I'm enjoying the game.
This suggests that the game is still in progress at the time these words are said.

I enjoy the game.
This suggests that I always enjoy this kind of game. These words are not said while the game is in progress.
_____________

Of course there may be other interpretations of these sentences, but I mentioned those that came to my mind first as a way of illustrating some of the possible differences.

It's possible that the writer of what you read could have been more specific by using 'be enjoying', but apparently any possible difference was not important to the writer.

CJ

enjoy / be enjoying

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