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Perfect Stranger Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Grammar question no. 43 - we were being stupid?

Hi there,

Here's a brief background on the situation. A man approaches me and my friend and is trying to persuade us to take his offer for a ride from one tourist spot to another. We agree, the man takes us there and then we realize we have wasted our money because the place is not worth visiting. Should we say:

We were being stupid accepting his offer.

Thanks
  

Top answer

That is possible, but it's more elegant to say "We were stupid to accept his offer".

— GPY

  • That is possible, but it's more elegant to say "We were stupid to accept his offer".
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5 Answers
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That is possible, but it's more elegant to say "We were stupid to accept his offer".
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GPYThat is possible, but it's more elegant to say "We were stupid to accept his offer".
Thanks GPY... Can you explain why people say:

Are you being sarcastic?
I'm just being honest.
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Perfect StrangerThanks GPY... Can you explain why people say:Are you being sarcastic?I'm just being honest.
Do you mean as opposed to "Are you sarcastic" or "I'm just honest"? The versions with "being" describe behaviour at that particular time, as opposed to general/usual personal characteristics.

The reason "We were stupid to accept his offer" doesn
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Thanks GPY, appreciate your answer.

Hmm... how about these examples?

Are you serious? vs Are you being serious?
I'm just being honest vs I'm just honest
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"Are you serious?" can in principle be asking about general nature, but as a common expression (almost a set expression) it is more likely to be asking about a particular instance. Compare with "Are you honest?" which is normally asking about general nature.
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