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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

To be smoking/to smoke

Dear teachers/advicors,

I have long been thinking about the nuances in meaning between these two infinitives. But, in the end, I failed to figure out the difference.

Could you give me a helping hand, please.....?

I noticed that he seemed to be smoking a lot.

I noticed that he seemed to smoke a lot.

I am much obliged to you for your help.
  

Top answer

The first expresses more concern by the speaker; it emphasizes the durational quality of the habit.

  • The first expresses more concern by the speaker; it emphasizes the durational quality of the habit.
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1 Answers
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The first expresses more concern by the speaker; it emphasizes the durational quality of the habit.

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