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Anonymous Posted 18 years ago
Grammar
Use of be..~ing
Hi,
In this sentence, "Why should I be marrying you instead of him?", I'm wondering why <should be marrying> was used when I think <should marry> would be enough. Please help me. Thanks so much!
In this sentence, "Why should I be marrying you instead of him?", I'm wondering why <should be marrying> was used when I think <should marry> would be enough. Please help me. Thanks so much!
Top answer
Anonymous I think <should marry> would be enough. Indeed, should marry would be enough. Nevertheless, to my ear, the use of the progressive lends a certain psychological "flavor" to the message.
- Anonymous I think <should marry> would be enough.
- Indeed, should marry would be enough.
- Nevertheless, to my ear, the use of the progressive lends a certain psychological "flavor" to the message.
- It's a little hard to put into words exactly what that flavor is.
- It seems to me that it says something about the mood of the speaker, in a way -- a sort of frustrated displeasure, perhaps?
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4 Answers
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AnonymousI think <should marry> would be enough.Indeed, should marry would be enough. Nevertheless, to my ear, the use of the progressive lends a certain psychological "flavor" to the message. It's a little hard to put into words exactly what that flavor is. It seems to me that it says something about the mood of the speaker, in a way -- a so
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In some cases it would be a matter of style or colloquialism Don't drink all the milk. Don't be drinking all the milk.
But in this case I think it implies that the planning process is a bit more advanced.
I am marrying you tomorrow. Why should I be marrying you instead of him?
Why should I marry you? would be more appropriate during
But in this case I think it implies that the planning process is a bit more advanced.
I am marrying you tomorrow. Why should I be marrying you instead of him?
Why should I marry you? would be more appropriate during
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Excellent point, Avangi!
A possible difference is, as you said:
You've asked me to marry you. I have not yet responded. Why should I marry you?
You've asked me to marry you. I have already said yes, and wedding preparations are under way. Why should I be marrying you?
CJ
A possible difference is, as you said:
You've asked me to marry you. I have not yet responded. Why should I marry you?
You've asked me to marry you. I have already said yes, and wedding preparations are under way. Why should I be marrying you?
CJ
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CalifJim Other forum members with sensibilities more finely tuned for the subtletiesSorry, Jim, I've only been married twice.
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