How soon/ when

Status
Not open for further replies.

Maybo

Key Member
Joined
Feb 23, 2017
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Chinese
Home Country
Hong Kong
Current Location
Hong Kong
1. How soon should I put the seed in soil?
2. When should I put the seed in soil?

What’s the difference in meaning between the above sentences?
 
I'd say 'how soon' has a sense of urgency to it.
 
Try "When should I plant it?"
 
1. How soon should I put the seed in soil?
2. When should I put the seed in soil?

What’s the difference in meaning between the above sentences?
Question (1) envisions an answer in terms of "degrees of soon" (somewhat soon, very soon, not soon at all, etc.), not that the answer actually needs to be stated in such terms. Question (2) just asks for a time, specific or approximate.
 
1. How soon should I put the seed in soil?
2. When should I put the seed in soil?

What’s the difference in meaning between the above sentences?
I would not expect to hear either one.
 
It depends on how you're doing it which verb you should use.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Ask a Teacher

If you have a question about the English language and would like to ask one of our many English teachers and language experts, please click the button below to let us know:

(Requires Registration)
Back
Top