#1  
Old 02-Nov-2006, 21:16
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Red face Using the "Being Verb" twice in a sentence

Why can you use the being verb twice in a past and present tense sentences and not in the future tense sentences?

Past: I was being silly.
Present: I am being silly.
Future: I will be silly. not I will be being silly?

Help...explain...please...thanks.
  #2  
Old 02-Nov-2006, 22:52
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Default Re: Using the "Being Verb" twice in a sentence

Quote:
Originally Posted by vm1112 View Post
Why can you use the being verb twice in a past and present tense sentences and not in the future tense sentences?

Past: I was being silly.
Present: I am being silly.
Future: I will be silly. not I will be being silly?

Help...explain...please...thanks.
"I will be being silly" is a grammatically correct sentence, but one that we wouldn't use in AmE. We'd probably say "I will be acting silly."
Regards
  #3  
Old 02-Nov-2006, 22:54
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Default Re: Using the "Being Verb" twice in a sentence

Hello VM

It is possible to use that construction, e.g.

1. If I say that, I will be being very silly.

However, it's not very often used. I think this is because progressive constructions place us vividly in the middle of the action or state; which is more difficult in the context of an action or state that hasn't yet happened, than in a past or present action or state.

That said, other members may have other views!

All the best,

MrP
  #4  
Old 02-Nov-2006, 23:56
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Default Re: Using the "Being Verb" twice in a sentence

I think we don't say it because the be being sound is awkward to say.

Try saying it aloud, you'll see what I mean.
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