Wearing a mask/The wearing of a mask―Difference
In my understanding, the following sentences have the same meaning:
The wearing of a mask is required.
Wearing a mask is required.
What is the difference in nuance?
Let me guess, although my guess may be wide of the mark because I am not a native speaker of English.
The wearing of a mask is required. ? This sentence focuses on a mask and says that a mask (not a face shield) is required.
Wearing a mask is required. ? This sentence focuses on the act of wearing and says that it is important to wear a mask (not just possess it).
I would like to know native speakers' opinions.
Top answer
Snappy What is the difference in nuance? I don't see a difference.
- Snappy What is the difference in nuance?
- I don't see a difference.
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SnappyWearing a mask is required.
Since it is shorter, that is what is more likely to be posted at the entrance.
0SnappyWhat is the difference in nuance?
There is no semantic (meaning) difference.
The difference is entirely syntactic (structural).
Verbal nouns (as in, e.g., the wearing of) take determiners and modifiers. They don't take adverbs. Their complements occur as of-phrases.
Verbal nouns don't have to end in -in
0
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