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ESLBeginner Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
Would anyone be doing
Hello, I'm confused by "would anyone be doing"; here's an example:
Don't get me wrong I was really encouraged at the fact that a $3k camera can be used in this way to produce a feature film, I mean 5 years ago no way would anyone be doing this and I actually thought the quality on the big screen was good for DV.
Why didn't the author just say "... no way would anyone do this ..." ? and what differences does the "be doing" make here?
Thank you in advance!
Don't get me wrong I was really encouraged at the fact that a $3k camera can be used in this way to produce a feature film, I mean 5 years ago no way would anyone be doing this and I actually thought the quality on the big screen was good for DV.
Why didn't the author just say "... no way would anyone do this ..." ? and what differences does the "be doing" make here?
Thank you in advance!
Top answer
These are two different present tenses: simple present and present continuous. They're often interchangeable, but "to do your homework" is a one time act, which will be completed. "To be doing your homework" means you're busy at it, but may not complete it.
- These are two different present tenses: simple present and present continuous.
- They're often interchangeable, but "to do your homework" is a one time act, which will be completed.
- "To be doing your homework" means you're busy at it, but may not complete it.
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5 Answers
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These are two different present tenses: simple present and present continuous.
They're often interchangeable, but "to do your homework" is a one time act, which will be completed. "To be doing your homework" means you're busy at it, but may not complete it.
They're often interchangeable, but "to do your homework" is a one time act, which will be completed. "To be doing your homework" means you're busy at it, but may not complete it.
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Native speakers may disagree with me but I consider the original verb form and the one you suggest incorrect. The present conditional should not refer to the past:
I would do it five years ago. WRONG!
I would have done it five years ago. RIGHT!
The verb form in your example should be changed to either would have been doing or woul
I would do it five years ago. WRONG!
I would have done it five years ago. RIGHT!
The verb form in your example should be changed to either would have been doing or woul
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Sorry, CB - don't know how I missed the "would."
However, I'm among those who consider the poster's example idiomatic.
Cheers, - A.
Ten years ago I would have been doing my own laundry. Now I have a maid.
Ten years ago I would be doing my own laundry. (in a situation similar to the present)
I agree with your example, but I believe it's
However, I'm among those who consider the poster's example idiomatic.
Cheers, - A.
Ten years ago I would have been doing my own laundry. Now I have a maid.
Ten years ago I would be doing my own laundry. (in a situation similar to the present)
I agree with your example, but I believe it's
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ESLBeginnerDon't get me wrong I was really encouraged at the fact that a $3k camera can be used in this way to produce a feature film, I mean 5 years ago no way would anyone be doing this and I actually thought the quality on the big screen
With the above context, I would guess the intended sentenece was: " I mean 5 years ago, in no way wou
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ESLBeginnerWhy didn't the author just say "... no way would anyone do this ..." ? and what differences does the "be doing" make here?The continuous form (-ing) here suggests people being engaged in some generalized practice over a period of time.
Compare:
Now that the economy is so bad, people are going to movies less often.
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