Tung Quoc Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

Inf vs be_ing

What is the difference in meaning btw:

He is sorry to leave school. (1)

He is sorry to be leaving school. (2)

Q
  

Top answer

The difference here is the same difference found between any simple tense and its corresponding progressive tense. The simple form focuses on the event-like properties of the situation. The progressive form focuses on the activity-like properties of the same situation.

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1 Answers
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The difference here is the same difference found between any simple tense and its corresponding progressive tense. The simple form focuses on the event-like properties of the situation. The progressive form focuses on the activity-like properties of the same situation. Thus, the progressive form is felt as more descriptive and vivid.

In this specific case, hearing the progressi