LL-L "Grammar" 2011.04.15 (08) [EN]

[Lowlands-L List]

=====================================================
L O W L A N D S - L - 15 April 2011 - Volume 08
lowlands.list at gmail.com - http://lowlands-l.net/
Posting: lowlands-l at listserv.linguistlist.org
Archive: http://listserv.linguistlist.org/archives/lowlands-l.html
Encoding: Unicode (UTF-08)
Language Codes: lowlands-l.net/codes.php
=====================================================



From: Jacqueline Bungenberg de Jong <Dutchmatters at comcast.net>

Subject: LL-L "Grammar" 2011.04.15 (04) [EN-NDS]



In answer to Hannelores’ question about “I am eating now”

Hanne, the difference is a question of *emphasis.*

Let’s say you are having lunch. A friend calls and ask what you are doing…..
Your answer might be “I am eating a cheese sandwich” The stress is on
eating. You are giving your friend a straight answer. Let’s now imagine that
you are eating the same cheese sandwich and a (grand)child calls and wants
something. Your first answer might be “ how nice of you to call me, let me
call you back. I am eating NOW! (In other words “do not interrupt me. This
sandwich I am eating is too delicious!)

Mmmm, time for lunch, I am going to have a cheese sandwich!!

Jacqueline



----------



From: Pat Barrett <pbarrett at cox.net>

Subject: LL-L "Grammar" 2011.04.15 (04) [EN-NDS]



Maybe I'm missing something, but would "I eat spinach now but I didn't used
to" fit in here?

Even, "Right now I eat spinach but my doctor is putting me on a spinach-free
diet and I won't be eating it any more."??

Pat Barrett



----------



From: R. F. Hahn
<sassisch at yahoo.com<http://uk.mc286.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=sassisch@yahoo.com>>


Subject: Grammar



“I eat” has habitual aspect.

“I am eating” has continuous and/or progressive aspect.



Without an object:

To me, “I eat now” can mean “I eat now, whereas I was previously fed
artificially.”

“I am eating now” means just that ... so I’ll call you back when I’m done
eating.



With an object:

“I eat meat now” makes me assume that the speaker was a vegetarian or a
pescatarian before.

“I am eating meat now” may explain the chewing noises over the phone.



*Bon appétit!*



Regards,
Reinhard/Ron
Seattle, USA



=========================================================
Send posting submissions to lowlands-l at listserv.linguistlist.org.
Please display only the relevant parts of quotes in your replies.
Send commands (including "signoff lowlands-l") to
listserv at listserv.linguistlist.org or lowlands.list at gmail.com
http://linguistlist.org/subscribing/sub-lowlands-l.html.
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/group.php?gid=118916521473498
===============================================================
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://listserv.linguistlist.org/pipermail/lowlands-l/attachments/20110415/13cc6bad/attachment.htm>