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role of To BE

 
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musicgold



Joined: 04 Oct 2006
Posts: 32
PostPosted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 1:27 pm    Post subject: role of To BE Reply with quote
Hi,

What is the difference between the following sentences? I am trying to understand the function of �to be� in the first sentence.

1. You did not appear to be nervous.
2. You did not appear nervous.

Thanks,

MG.
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Bob S.



Joined: 29 Apr 2004
Posts: 1767
Location: So. Cal
PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 11:37 am    Post subject: Re: role of To BE Reply with quote
musicgold wrote:
Hi,

What is the difference between the following sentences? I am trying to understand the function of �to be� in the first sentence.

1. You did not appear to be nervous.
2. You did not appear nervous.
Functionally there is no difference. They use different grammar forms to basically say the same thing.
In the second sentence, nervous is a predicate adjective. In the first sentence, to be nervous is an infinitive phrase used as a predicate adjective.
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musicgold



Joined: 04 Oct 2006
Posts: 32
PostPosted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 6:23 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Thanks a lot.
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