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Anonymous Posted 10 years ago
Grammar
Simple or continuos - which one to use?
What is the exact difference or meaning between those two sentences:
"You are not allowed to eat my cookies."
"You are not being allowed to eat my cookies."
I recognise the correct tenses, but can't make up which one to use. I think the second one sounds awkward though it describes the scenario perfectly where somebody (you) isn't allowed to do something right now and temporarly (continuos aspect). The first sentence would only fit, if the scenario would be a common one or a simple fact (you are NEVER allowed to eat them). I really don't understand when to use simple or continuos tenses. It seems to me that there are many exceptions and it is quite difficult for a foreigner like me to distinguish between "right now" (continuos) and "fact" (simple), because both could be correct at the same time.
Could anybody explain the subtle differences and basics of both tenses and when to use them?
Thank you!
"You are not allowed to eat my cookies."
"You are not being allowed to eat my cookies."
I recognise the correct tenses, but can't make up which one to use. I think the second one sounds awkward though it describes the scenario perfectly where somebody (you) isn't allowed to do something right now and temporarly (continuos aspect). The first sentence would only fit, if the scenario would be a common one or a simple fact (you are NEVER allowed to eat them). I really don't understand when to use simple or continuos tenses. It seems to me that there are many exceptions and it is quite difficult for a foreigner like me to distinguish between "right now" (continuos) and "fact" (simple), because both could be correct at the same time.
Could anybody explain the subtle differences and basics of both tenses and when to use them?
Thank you!
Top answer
Use #1. It applies in all situations. I cannot imagine a situation where I would use the second.
- Use #1.
- It applies in all situations.
- I cannot imagine a situation where I would use the second.
- This is a good example of the continuous.
- Johnny has just snatched and broken his little sister's toy.
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3 Answers
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Use #1. It applies in all situations. I cannot imagine a situation where I would use the second.
This is a good example of the continuous.
Johnny has just snatched and broken his little sister's toy. She is crying.
Mom says, " Go to your room and there will be no ice cream for you after dinner. Do you know why you are being punished?"
Johnny starts crying, "No.
This is a good example of the continuous.
Johnny has just snatched and broken his little sister's toy. She is crying.
Mom says, " Go to your room and there will be no ice cream for you after dinner. Do you know why you are being punished?"
Johnny starts crying, "No.
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Thanks. Can you also use the continuos form only to put emphasis on the action apart from the "NOW" aspect?
I've read this structure "Is being allowed" a few times in the internet, why is this grammatical correct but you don't use it obviously? (Isn't the example above a good one? Something that is allowed only for a specific amount of time and situation?)
I've read this structure "Is being allowed" a few times in the internet, why is this grammatical correct but you don't use it obviously? (Isn't the example above a good one? Something that is allowed only for a specific amount of time and situation?)
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You are being allowed (or whatever) pertains to the process of "allowing" that was started and is underway.
Teenager Freddy complains to his Facebook friends.
I'm grounded. I'm not being allowed to drive for a month. Dad really got ****** when I "borrowed" his car keys and went joy riding with some friends. Dad's sports car is really hot, and I was winning every street race. But
Teenager Freddy complains to his Facebook friends.
I'm grounded. I'm not being allowed to drive for a month. Dad really got ****** when I "borrowed" his car keys and went joy riding with some friends. Dad's sports car is really hot, and I was winning every street race. But
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