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Hamlet
Joined: 18 Mar 2008
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 Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 7:47 pm Post subject: Grammar Question |
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Both of these seem grammatically correct to me, but my coworker says the second one is wrong (but can't explain why). Anyone have a definitive answer?
Actually, that�s where we were heading when we got the news about the fighting.
Actually, that�s where we were headed when we got the news about the fighting. |
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Moldy Rutabaga
Joined: 01 Jul 2003
Location: Ansan, Korea
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| Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 8:42 pm Post subject: |
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Actually, that�s where we were heading when we got the news about the fighting.
Actually, that�s where we were headed when we got the news about the fighting. |
I will address this as a descriptive grammarian. There are others on this board who are better at the theory, and they can jump in if they like!
I would say that both are correct sentences, and that the difference in meaning in this case is minimal. The first sentence, using a past continuous form (were heading) perhaps puts more emphasis on the action of movement, and the second, using a past participle (were headed) suggests an emphasis on our intentions.
Anyone else?
Ken:> |
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Hamlet
Joined: 18 Mar 2008
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| Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 9:30 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks moldy,
That's exactly what I was looking for!
Bye the way, I'm a textbook writer, and I'm starting a forum for other expat writers (or grammarians), so we can network, discuss writing projects, etc. in a setting that's a bit different than Dave's.
I just got the site up yesterday, so there are only 2 members right now. Perhaps you'd like to join.
http://www.theexpatbloglog.com/korea-writers.html
Cheers |
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exit86
Joined: 17 May 2006
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| Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 4:46 am Post subject: |
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Doesn't the idiomatic/colloquial nature of the phrase rule out it
being "correct" and/or a "proper" (formal) statement? |
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