Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

leslie · Joined: 12 Oct 2005 Posts: 244

Hi,

Do the following sentences mean the same? If not, could you tell me the nuances between them? Thanks in advance.

a. Are you going to that bookstore?
b. Are you going to go to that bookstore?

Leslie
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myprofe · Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 11:31 pm Post subject: going to do

Yes, they both have essentially the same meaning. Look at these sentences.

I'm going to the bookstore.
I'm going to buy a book.
I'm going to go to the bookstore to buy a book.

But it's not necessary to repeat the verb go.
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2006 · Joined: 27 Nov 2006 Posts: 610

Depending on the context, the meanings of "going to" and "going to go to" can be the same or different. In your 'bookstore' sentences, the meanings can be quite different.

Let's say that last week I told about an interesting new bookstore and recommended that you check it out. Just now we unexpectedly met each other on the street in the general vicinity of that bookstore. We say 'hi' and chat a bit and then I ask you, Are you going to that bookstore? That would mean 'Are you now on your way to that bookstore?'

If I ask you, Are you going to go to that bookstore?, it means '(Will you go)(Do you intend to go) and see that bookstore at some time in the future?'

What you have to remember is that "Are you going to" can mean 'Are you now on your way to...' and it can mean '(Will you...)(Do you intend to...)'.

Now let's consider a sentence in which the meanings of 'Are you going
to...' and 'Are you going to go to...' are the same.

Are you going to (go to) that bookstore on Saturday?
Both sentences mean (Will you go to)(Do you intend to go to) that bookstore on Saturday?

myprofe · Posted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 11:03 pm Post subject: Where's Leslie?

Very true.
Now, is Leslie coming/going to come back and read what we have written.
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Teo · Joined: 15 Oct 2005 Posts: 193 Location: Taiwan

myprofe · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 3:42 am Post subject: Sorry

Sorry about that. I should have written the two sentences separately.

Now, is Leslie going to come back and read what we have written?

-or-

Now, is Leslie coming back to read what we have written?
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I'm never going to learn if you don't correct my mistakes!

leslie · Joined: 12 Oct 2005 Posts: 244

Thank you guys for helping me. I'm coming back to read your posts. Thanks!

leslie
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Less Is Blessed