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still vs. anymore Hello everyone, Are the following two sentences both correct? A. Do they still sell those devices? B. Do they even sell those devices anymore? If so, do they mean the same? Thank you.
2018년 3월 29일 오전 6:27
답변 · 3
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Hi Erik, A. Do they still sell those devices? B. Do they even sell those devices anymore? Both sentences are grammatically correct. In sentence A, "still" is used to mean that something was done or exists in the past and continues up to the present moment. Example: The sale is still on! (The sale started some time ago and is still ongoing.) In sentence B, "even" is used to emphasise something surprising or doubtful. Example: Did he even listen to me? (You have a feeling that someone did not pay attention to you as you spoke; you would be surprised if he actually did.) Based on these differences, sentence A asks if those devices which were sold in the past are still being sold while sentence B expresses a doubt that those devices are still being sold. As for your other question, "anymore" implies that something that has ended or does not exist presently (e.g. To be environmentally-friendly, our supermarkets do not provide plastic bags anymore. / No one here respects the elders anymore.). You may notice that "anymore" is frequently used in forming negative sentences. (e.g. Tom doesn't live here anymore --> He used to live here but now, he doesn't.) "still" can be used with both positive and negative sentences (e.g. He still remembers the recipe. / He still cannot recall the recipe.) Hope this helps. Cheers
2018년 3월 29일
1
Yes. They mean the same. The only difference is, with B, you are very doubtful that those devices are still being sold whereas with A, you neither doubt it nor believe it, you just want an answer.
2018년 3월 29일
They do mean the same thing, in general. The person asking the questions is basically asking "Do they sell those devices currently?". There's a difference in the level and type of doubt. "Still" can be a neutral word in this context (just being curious to know), or if the person stresses the word ("Do they STILL sell") then it means he/she is doubtful whether the devices are being sold anymore. "I haven't seen those devices in stores for years, but I've been wanting to buy one of those devices. Do they still sell them?" "Even - anymore" in this context makes it clear the person has doubts about the device being sold anymore. "I haven't seen those devices in stores for years, and it's pretty obvious why. Do they even sell them anymore?"
2018년 3월 29일
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