> ----------
> > Bob Yates wrote:
> >         So what is the "main verb" of the following
> > sentences?
> >
> >         Bob is playing on the computer.
> >         Bob enjoys playing on the computer.
> >         Bob is happy playing on the computer.
> >
> > Playing is the most "action" word in all three, right?
 
> Dear Bob, writes Paul Doniger,
>
> Why is *playing* more of an action than *enjoys*?
 
If my friend is *playing* on the computer, I can observe some actions
going on.  I may not be able to observe whether he is *enjoying* it,
for that describes his state of mind, and I'm not a good
mind-reader.  Perhaps, knowing something about his degree of
*enjoying* depends on his degree of transparency as a person.
 
 
 
**********************************************************************
R. Michael Medley       VPH 211                Ph: (712) 737-7047
Assistant Professor     Northwestern College
Department of English   Orange City, IA  51041
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