0
Newguest Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Offered/being offered

Hi

Which is better to say:

People take what they're offered. (meaning they accept any job just to make some money)

People take what they're being offered.

--- What's the difference in meaning, if there's any?
  

Top answer

Both are the same and both sound natural. Robert

— Robsterhews

  • Both are the same and both sound natural.
  • Robert
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

6 Answers
0
Both are the same and both sound natural.

Robert
0
0
People take what they're offered is a universal truth that always applies because of the simple present take. If you say People take what they're being offered, you are talking about something that is taking place at this very moment. You don't mean all people everywhere always take what they are offered.

CB
0
0
Hi CB,



I'm not so sure about that. Both versions have the Simple Present 'take', to suggest a universal truth.



The version with '. . . are offered' is certainly snappier and more stylish.

But it seems to me that the version with '. . . are being offered' just stresses more that the offer is available for a period of time.



Best w
0
0
CliveBut it seems to me that the version with '. . . are being offered' just stresses more that the offer is available for a period of time.
Right you are, Clive! [Y]
0
0
NewguestPeople take what they're offered. (meaning they accept any job just to make some money)
To emphasize that they accept any job, you might use whatever.

People take whatever they're offered.

CJ
0

Related Questions