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Tung Quoc Posted 20 years ago
Grammar
Inf vs be_ing
What is the difference in meaning btw:
He is sorry to leave school. (1)
He is sorry to be leaving school. (2)
Q
He is sorry to leave school. (1)
He is sorry to be leaving school. (2)
Q
Top answer
The difference here is the same difference found between any simple tense and its corresponding progressive tense. The simple form focuses on the event-like properties of the situation. The progressive form focuses on the activity-like properties of the same situation.
- The difference here is the same difference found between any simple tense and its corresponding progressive tense.
- The simple form focuses on the event-like properties of the situation.
- The progressive form focuses on the activity-like properties of the same situation.
- Thus, the progressive form is felt as more descriptive and vivid.
- In this specific case, hearing the progressive form, we may find ourselves thinking about his preparations for leaving school: gathering his things, packing them into suitcases, saying goodbye to his friends, boarding the bus or train.
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1 Answers
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The difference here is the same difference found between any simple tense and its corresponding progressive tense. The simple form focuses on the event-like properties of the situation. The progressive form focuses on the activity-like properties of the same situation. Thus, the progressive form is felt as more descriptive and vivid.
In this specific case, hearing the progressi
In this specific case, hearing the progressi
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