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Guyper Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
To be paying Vs. To pay
A hencemen didn't do his job at all and his boss asks him
"What am I supposed to be paying you for?"
I was wondering why it has to be, "to be paying" (Passive?) and not, "to pay".
Is it an idiom similar to, "look forward to meeting"?
Thank you
"What am I supposed to be paying you for?"
I was wondering why it has to be, "to be paying" (Passive?) and not, "to pay".
Is it an idiom similar to, "look forward to meeting"?
Thank you
Top answer
I don't think it's either an idiom or passive. I take it as present continuous. It refers to the ongoing terms and conditions of the hencemen's employment.
- I don't think it's either an idiom or passive.
- I take it as present continuous.
- It refers to the ongoing terms and conditions of the hencemen's employment.
- I am regularly/continuously paying you.
- Why??
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3 Answers
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I don't think it's either an idiom or passive. I take it as present continuous. It refers to the ongoing terms and conditions of the hencemen's employment. I am regularly/continuously paying you. Why??
The simple present could be used, but this choice makes it a bit more realistic.
What's a hencemen?
The simple present could be used, but this choice makes it a bit more realistic.
What's a hencemen?
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Hi,
henchman / henchmen
The word is not commonly used. When it is, it is often in speaking of gangsters.
In a business context, we commonly speak of a boss and his 'subordinates'.
Best wishes, Clive
henchman / henchmen
The word is not commonly used. When it is, it is often in speaking of gangsters.
In a business context, we commonly speak of a boss and his 'subordinates'.
Best wishes, Clive
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