Beginner question
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As a result of this, this forum is now closed.
The English dictionary community team would like the opportunity to say a huge thanks to all of you who participated by posting questions and helping other community members.
We hope this forum was useful, and that you enjoyed being a part of it.
If you would like to get in touch with any OED-related queries, please write to
[email protected]
And if you would like to contribute suggestions to the OED, please do so by visiting: https://public.oed.com/contribute-to-the-oed/
Thank you very much indeed, and good bye!
The community team
Beginner question
They don’t get on well. They: (are always arguing) or (always argue)
The exercises key says the correct answer is (are always arguing)
My question is why is (always argue) incorrect ?
Best Answer
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DavidCrosbie
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@ShowMoiDwae, I don't think they always argue is incorrect.
But I do think sounds more natural as the second sentence in
They don't get on well. They're always arguing.The problem is the word always.
In They always argue the word is used literally meaning 'every time'.
But then what does every mean?
It would be OK if you specified some relevant times:
They always argue when they meet.
They go to the club on Wednesdays and they always argue.In They're always arguing the word is an exaggeration meaning 'very very often'.