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Snappy Posted 5 years ago
Grammar

Has lived a happy life/Has been living a happy life

What is the difference in meaning between the following sentences?

"In this small town, she has been living a happy life."
"In this small town, she has lived a happy life."

My guess: "She has been living a happy life" connotes that she is still leading a happy life now.

"She has lived a happy life" means that her life has been happy up to the moment.

Am I correct?

  

Top answer

The basic meaning is similar: the woman lives in this small town and is happy there. The difference is mainly stylistic: the first sentence is longer and stylistically more pleasant-sounding.

  • The basic meaning is similar: the woman lives in this small town and is happy there.
  • The difference is mainly stylistic: the first sentence is longer and stylistically more pleasant-sounding.
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2 Answers
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The basic meaning is similar: the woman lives in this small town and is happy there. The difference is mainly stylistic: the first sentence is longer and stylistically more pleasant-sounding.

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Snappy

What is the difference in meaning between the following sentences?

"In this small town, she has been living a happy life."
"In this small town, she has lived a happy life."

My guess: "She has been living a happy life" connotes that she is still leading a happy life now.

"She has lived a happy life" means that her life has been happy up to th

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