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PreciousJones Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

New York

If a friend asks me:

Your family's in New York?

I reply:

"They've been living in New York for a while now." Or should it be:

"They've lived in New York for a while now."

Which is correct and what's the difference?

Thanks!
  

Top answer

Hi, There's very little difference. Perhaps, without more context, the continuous makes the arrangement sound slightly temporary. Clive

— Clive

  • Hi, There's very little difference.
  • Perhaps, without more context, the continuous makes the arrangement sound slightly temporary.
  • Clive
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3 Answers
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Hi,
There's very little difference.
Perhaps, without more context, the continuous makes the arrangement sound slightly temporary.

Clive
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Hi Clive, Thanks!

I know what you mean by temporary but youve also mentioned "very little difference"...

So would it be okay to use either sentences if I'm saying that they moved to New York a while back and are permanent residents in the city?

Would the Present continuous work in that situation? Thanks again.
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