When learning English, there are often moments that confuse us, especially when comparing English structures to those in our native language. One such instance is the usage of ‘could be doing’ in a sentence like ‘We are causing unnecessary harm to animals when we could be doing something more useful.’ This article explains why ‘could be doing’ is the correct form and what makes it different from simple ‘could do.’
1. Understanding ‘Could Be Doing’ in English
In English, ‘could be doing’ is used to express a continuous or ongoing action that might have been possible in the present or past, given certain conditions. It suggests a missed opportunity or a better alternative. In the sentence ‘We could be doing something more useful,’ it emphasizes that at the present moment, there is an opportunity to do something more beneficial, but it is not being taken.
2. Why Not Just ‘Could Do’?
‘Could do’ is often used to express a general possibility, ability, or suggestion, but it doesn’t imply that the action is currently ongoing or happening. If you used ‘could do’ instead of ‘could be doing,’ it would make the sentence less specific and would lose the nuance of ongoing action or a missed opportunity.
3. Japanese vs. English Structure
In Japanese, the concept of ‘could be doing’ might not be as clearly separated as it is in English. In fact, Japanese tends to be more concise and doesn’t always differentiate between continuous or potential actions in the same way English does. This may explain why learners from Japanese backgrounds might struggle with understanding the need for phrases like ‘could be doing’ when their native language doesn’t require such distinctions.
4. Why ‘When We Could Be Doing’ Makes Sense
The phrase ‘when we could be doing something more useful’ implies that at this very moment, there’s an opportunity that is not being taken, and it’s a continuous or ongoing possibility. The use of ‘could be’ highlights this alternative that isn’t happening, making the sentence more precise in English.
5. Conclusion: Understanding Subtle Differences in English Grammar
The choice between ‘could do’ and ‘could be doing’ is a subtle but important difference in English grammar. By understanding the distinctions between these structures, you can better convey the ongoing potential of actions, especially when comparing missed opportunities or better alternatives. This distinction helps English speakers understand exactly what is happening or not happening at the moment, something that might not always be as explicit in other languages like Japanese.
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