always polite - always being polite

Status
Not open for further replies.

blizzy

Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2017
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
German
Home Country
Germany
Current Location
Germany
What's the difference here?
I'm always being polite.
I'm always polite.

The first sentence is present continious and the other simple present.
So far so good. But where do they differ?
 

GoesStation

No Longer With Us (RIP)
Joined
Dec 22, 2015
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
The second is the natural way to express your constant politeness.
 

Roman55

Key Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2014
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
British English
Home Country
Italy
Current Location
France
When you say someone is being polite it can imply that they aren't always polite but are making an effort.
 

Matthew Wai

VIP Member
Joined
Nov 29, 2013
Member Type
Native Language
Chinese
Home Country
China
Current Location
China
He is being, but not always, polite.
 

Tdol

No Longer With Us (RIP)
Staff member
Joined
Nov 13, 2002
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
Japan
I'm always being polite.

This could be used if the person doesn't like being polite and has to make an effort to do so.
 

Raymott

VIP Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2008
Member Type
Academic
Native Language
English
Home Country
Australia
Current Location
Australia
"I'm always being polite." - I'm always acting as if I were inherently polite.
"I'm always polite." - I am [always] inherently polite.
 

probus

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 7, 2011
Member Type
Retired English Teacher
Native Language
English
Home Country
Canada
Current Location
Canada
"I'm always being polite." - I'm always acting as if I were inherently polite.
"I'm always polite." - I am [always] inherently polite.

Nailed it!
 

teechar

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Feb 18, 2015
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
English
Home Country
Iraq
Current Location
Iraq
The first sentence is present continuous and the other simple present.
Please endeavour to pay attention to your spelling.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top