Starting to believe and start believing
Hello,
What is the basic difference, if any, between these two sentences.
'He is so convincing that I am starting to believe.'
and
'He is so convincing that it is difficult not to start believing.'
If there is any difference, I wonder if it is the focus.
In the first sentence, the focus seems to be more on the present moment, whereas in the second sentence the focus seems to be more on the process (of believing)
I hope that makes sense.
Thanks
Top answer
fold navy In the first sentence, the focus seems to be more on the present moment, whereas in the second sentence the focus seems to be more on the process (of believing) Native speakers do not parse the meanings so closely. It has more to do with how the 'to' form or the 'ing' form fits in the sentence, so it's more a matter of style than of semantics. I'll show you that below.
- fold navy In the first sentence, the focus seems to be more on the present moment, whereas in the second sentence the focus seems to be more on the process (of believing) Native speakers do not parse the meanings so closely.
- It has more to do with how the 'to' form or the 'ing' form fits in the sentence, so it's more a matter of style than of semantics.
- I'll show you that below.
- ' The correct comparisons are between 1a) and 1b) and between 2a) and 2b).
- 1b) has two -ings in a row.
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fold navyIn the first sentence, the focus seems to be more on the present moment, whereas in the second sentence the focus seems to be more on the process (of believing)
Native speakers do not parse the meanings so closely. It has more to do with how the 'to' form or the 'ing' form fits in the sentence, so it's more a matter of style than of semantics. I'
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