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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
What is taking him so long?
What is taking him so long?
I totally understand it. However how would you explain this to a non-native speaker with a very poor command of English?
Present continuous 'is taking' describes a present ongoing action, but together with 'so long' - which means 'a long period of time' - it's like saying something is going on a long period of time which doesn't make sense.
'So long' makes sense here:
He has been waiting so long. (been ongoing for a long time)
It took him so long. (took him a lot of time; past complete action)
I totally understand it. However how would you explain this to a non-native speaker with a very poor command of English?
Present continuous 'is taking' describes a present ongoing action, but together with 'so long' - which means 'a long period of time' - it's like saying something is going on a long period of time which doesn't make sense.
'So long' makes sense here:
He has been waiting so long. (been ongoing for a long time)
It took him so long. (took him a lot of time; past complete action)
Top answer
Hi, What is taking him so long? I'd focus my explanation around this version. What is the ongoing activity that is taking so much of his time ?
- Hi, What is taking him so long?
- I'd focus my explanation around this version.
- What is the ongoing activity that is taking so much of his time ?
- Clive
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4 Answers
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Hi,
What is taking him so long?
I'd focus my explanation around this version. What is the ongoing activity that is taking so much of his time?
Clive
What is taking him so long?
I'd focus my explanation around this version. What is the ongoing activity that is taking so much of his time?
Clive
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I guess I cannot explain 'so long' literally in this context then?
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Hi,
Do you consider the concept of 'a long time' literal or figurative?
Clive
Do you consider the concept of 'a long time' literal or figurative?
Clive
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Anonymoushow would you explain this to a non-native speaker with a very poor command of English?I would try: Why are we still waiting for him? What is he doing?
CJ
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