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Kane159 Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Simple vs. continuous tense

I am tired. I didn't sleep well at night.

I am tired. I wasn't sleeping well at night.

Which one would you prefer and why?

Thanks in advance.
  

Top answer

Neither is entirely idiomatic. The reasons are subtle. at night means any time it is naturally dark.

  • Neither is entirely idiomatic.
  • The reasons are subtle.
  • at night means any time it is naturally dark.
  • It gives the impression of a habitual aspect which seems to contradict the rest of the situation.
  • The habitual aspect often goes with the present.
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5 Answers
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Neither is entirely idiomatic. The reasons are subtle.

at night means any time it is naturally dark. It gives the impression of a habitual aspect which seems to contradict the rest of the situation. The habitual aspect often goes with the present.

I'm always tired (during the day) because I don't sleep well at night.
I'm always tired (during the day) beca
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Thank you very much. But I have one more question:

I'm always tired (during the day) because I don't sleep well at night.
I'm always tired (during the day) because I'm not sleeping well at night.

Why did you use the present continuous in the second sentence? When the action is habitual,we normally use the simple present,am I right?

Thx in
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kane159When the action is habitual,we normally use the simple present,am I right?
Normally, yes, but the continuous is a possible variant, especially if you include an adverbial expression or additional information to make clear what you mean. (at night, these days, always, lately, etc.) The continuous is more likely to suggest a temporary situation th
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You're truly one of a kind. I wish you taught me English Emotion: sad Thank you a lot!
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kane159I wish you taught me English
Well, I suppose, in a way, I amteaching you English. So cheer up!

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