Simple past vs continuous past
Could you please tell me whether there exist any differences between
a)She always treated him to ice cream.
b)She was always treating him to ice cream.
?
Thanks in advance!
Top answer
There is a slight difference in feel. I would say that (b) more strongly implies high frequency, and may more strongly suggest the speaker's emotional involvement (possibly, but not always, implying a negative judgement). Please note that this is incorrect spacing: a)She always treated him to ice cream.
- There is a slight difference in feel.
- I would say that (b) more strongly implies high frequency, and may more strongly suggest the speaker's emotional involvement (possibly, but not always, implying a negative judgement).
- Please note that this is incorrect spacing: a)She always treated him to ice cream.
- It should be like this: a) She always treated him to ice cream.
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There is a slight difference in feel. I would say that (b) more strongly implies high frequency, and may more strongly suggest the speaker's emotional involvement (possibly, but not always, implying a negative judgement).
Please note that this is incorrect spacing:
a)She always treated him to ice cream.
It should be like this:
a) She always treated him to ice cream.
0fuchsiaa)She always treated him to ice cream.
This is a neutral statement.
fuchsiab)She was always treating him to ice cream.
This statement emphasizes the frequency of the action, and to some extent, the character of the subject because of it. It may also be used to show approval or disapproval.
CJ
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