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Teo Posted 21 years ago
Grammar

want someone to V / Ving

1. I don't want you coming home so late.

2. I don't want you to come home so late.

What's the difference between the above two sentences?

Thanks very much for your reply.
  

Top answer

Hi Teo, 1. I don't want you coming home so late. This version suggests more to me that you are in the habit of being late, that you do it many times.

  • Hi Teo, 1.
  • I don't want you coming home so late.
  • This version suggests more to me that you are in the habit of being late, that you do it many times.
  • It's a bit more emphatic.
  • 2.
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5 Answers
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Hi Teo,

1. I don't want you coming home so late. This version suggests more to me that you are in the habit of being late, that you do it many times. It's a bit more emphatic.

2. I don't want you to come home so late.

Best wishes, Clive
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Clive,is there any problem if I change the first sentence into
''I don't want your coming home so late ''

is it different from ''I don't want you coming home so late''

thanks in advance
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Hi,

is there any problem if I change the first sentence into
''I don't want your coming home so late ''


is it different from ''I don't want you coming home so late''

They're basically the same, but 'your....' makes it more formal, more literary. In everyday speech, we usually say 'you...' It's th
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1. I want you standing up when the judge enters the court.
2. I want you to stand up when the judge enters the court.
3. I want you to be standing up when the judge enters the court.
What's the difference in meaning among the above three sentences?
Thanks very much for your reply.
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Hi,

The differences are fairly small and subtle, but here's what I feel.

1. I want you standing up when the judge enters the court. You never stand up when the judge comes in. This time you'd better remember. To me, there's a hint of exasperation.


2. I want you to stand up when the judge enters the

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