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Taka Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
Reading
Do these four below mean the same? If not, what is the difference in meaning?
His mother is always complaining about his father having breakfast reading the newspaper.
His mother is always complaining about his father reading the newspaper having breakfast.
His mother is always complaining about his father having breakfast while (he is) reading the newspaper.
His mother is always complaining about his father reading the newspaper while (he is) having breakfast.
His mother is always complaining about his father having breakfast reading the newspaper.
His mother is always complaining about his father reading the newspaper having breakfast.
His mother is always complaining about his father having breakfast while (he is) reading the newspaper.
His mother is always complaining about his father reading the newspaper while (he is) having breakfast.
Top answer
The first two are not natural English. The third and fourth are both acceptable. I think that the fourth is more likely.
- The first two are not natural English.
- The third and fourth are both acceptable.
- I think that the fourth is more likely.
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3 Answers
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The first two are not natural English. The third and fourth are both acceptable. I think that the fourth is more likely.
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Hi Taka,
The third and fourth sentences are more standard, and I would also prefer the fourth. I'd say that's because that word order suggests that 'having breakfast' is the primary activity and that 'reading the newspaper' is something that happens during the primary activity.
I can also imagine the first two sentences being used in casual English. The omission of 'while' strike
The third and fourth sentences are more standard, and I would also prefer the fourth. I'd say that's because that word order suggests that 'having breakfast' is the primary activity and that 'reading the newspaper' is something that happens during the primary activity.
I can also imagine the first two sentences being used in casual English. The omission of 'while' strike
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Thanks for the comment.
YankeeI would also prefer the fourth. I'd say that's because that word order suggests that 'having breakfast' is the primary activity and that 'reading the newspaper' is something that happens during the primary activity.When 'having breakfast' is the primary activity, then isn't it more likely that 'reading the newspaper' will be descri
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