They might add milk first, or even keep the teabag in while they drink!

[kadioguy]

[From BBC Learning English on YouTube]

What is the difference in meaning between them?

a. They might add milk first, or even keep the teabag in while they drink!
b. They might add milk first, or even keep the teabag in while they are drinking!

FYI, ChatGPT's answer and Google Bard's answer.

 

[Tarheel]

It's hard to see any difference.

 

[probus]

I'm with Google on this: there is no difference in meaning.

 

[tedmc]

I prefer Google's answer too.

 

[jutfrank]

I think both Google Bard's and ChatGPT's answers are poor.

First, it's very clear that in both sentences, milk is possibly added before any drinking takes place. Second, the difference doesn't have anything to do with simultaneity. The difference lies in the aspect of the action of drinking only. Whether you call that a difference in meaning is up to you.

 

[kadioguy]

Second, the difference doesn't have anything to do with simultaneity. The difference lies in the aspect of the action of drinking only.

If you don't mind, could you please tell me more about this?

 

[jutfrank]

The present continuous version provides aspect, whereas the present simple version doesn't. (What we sometimes call the 'simple' aspect is actually better understood as aspectless.) That means the present simple version doesn't have any of the 'extra meaning' that continuous or perfect aspects contribute.