talking softly now

Question

Which one is correct?They are talking softly now because the baby is sleeping.They are talking softly because the baby is sleeping now.

Avangi · Accepted Answer

Either one would work, depending on context.

Vincent Teo · Answer

Thanks. But, are they same in meaning?

Avangi · Answer

Vincent TeoThey are talking softly now because the baby is sleeping.

They are talking softly because the baby is sleeping now.

The difference lies in what "now" modifies. In the first one it modifies "talking softly;" in the second one it modifies "sleeping." While it's possible they both may be used to describe the exact same situation, it's also possible they may not.

They may have been talking loudly for an hour, unaware that all the time the baby was asleep in the next room. Now, someone informs them of the situation, and they begin talking softly. (first one)

They may have been talking loudly for an hour while the baby was playing noisily in his crib in the same room. Suddenly they notice the baby has fallen asleep on the floor of his crib. Now the baby is asleep, so they begin talking softly. (second one)

Best regards, - A.

talking softly now

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