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Nerdikarp Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
"The device works." or "The device is working." What is the difference in meaning?
What is the difference in meaning? I think "The device works" is a general statement like a fact, and "The device is working" is what I sometimes use b/c it sounds right...
Can someone explain the difference, please?
Thanks
Can someone explain the difference, please?
Thanks
Top answer
They can both mean that the device is currently in working order. The device is working can also mean that the device is powered up and currently doing whatever it was designed to do. For instance, if we are talking about a photocopier, to indicate that it is operational and not broken, you could use either statement.
- They can both mean that the device is currently in working order.
- The device is working can also mean that the device is powered up and currently doing whatever it was designed to do.
- For instance, if we are talking about a photocopier, to indicate that it is operational and not broken, you could use either statement.
- But if you say the copier is working , that could also mean that it is currently in the process of making a copy of something.
- I hope this helps.
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2 Answers
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They can both mean that the device is currently in working order. The device is working can also mean that the device is powered up and currently doing whatever it was designed to do. For instance, if we are talking about a photocopier, to indicate that it is operational and not broken, you could use either statement. But if you say the copier is working, that could als
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Hi,
Right. The device works means it usually works without experiencing unwanted issues. Thus,
it is used to indicate a general fact. The device is working means that it is working presently, and
you don't wish to mention whether or not it operates usually. However, in colloquial language
you might hear people say both intending the same meaning.
Regard
Right. The device works means it usually works without experiencing unwanted issues. Thus,
it is used to indicate a general fact. The device is working means that it is working presently, and
you don't wish to mention whether or not it operates usually. However, in colloquial language
you might hear people say both intending the same meaning.
Regard
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