0
Guyper Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

"wasn't" and "didn't"

"I didn't pay attention when they came in"

Hi, I'd like to know if it's acceptable to use didn't pay instead of wasn't paying in this kind of situation.

Thank you
  

Top answer

Hi, Yes, it is. But 'wasn't paying' suggests more that you were not paying attention before they came in, when they came in, and after they came in. ie it stresses duration.

— Clive

  • Hi, Yes, it is.
  • But 'wasn't paying' suggests more that you were not paying attention before they came in, when they came in, and after they came in.
  • ie it stresses duration.
  • Clive
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

1 Answers
0
Hi,

Yes, it is.

But 'wasn't paying' suggests more that you were not paying attention before they came in, when they came in, and after they came in. ie it stresses duration.

Clive
0

Related Questions