Answering the Debate: 'How Does It Feel Like Being an Exchange Student?' vs. 'How Does It Feel Like to Be an Exchange Student?'
When discussing the experiences of an exchange student, it is important to choose the correct phrasing that best captures the essence of the situation. This article explores the nuances between the two common phrases: 'How does it feel like being an exchange student' and 'How does it feel like to be an exchange student'. We will delve into the grammatical rules that govern these phrases and provide examples to clarify their usage.
Introduction to the Debate
The debate over which phrasing is correct arises from a common scenario where one person asks another about their experience as an exchange student. The confusion often stems from the use of the phrase 'like' in these sentences, which can be misleading. This article will examine the proper way to phrase this question, focusing on the sequence of tenses and the importance of verb tense consistency.
The Grammar Rules in Play
When discussing a past experience, the proper tense to use in the reporting clause is consistent with the past tense of the main verb in the subordinate clause. For instance, if the main verb is in the past simple, the reporting clause should also be in the past tense. This is particularly important in sentences where the main clause refers to a situation that no longer exists, such as in the case of a current exchange student describing their past experience.
Example 1: He’s Loving His Job
The phrase 'He’s loving his job' is acceptable in casual speech. In a clearly colloquial context, the present continuous tense is often used to indicate a current situation. However, this does not apply to the more formal context of discussing past experiences.
Example 2: I Didn’t Know He Was Living Abroad
The phrase 'I didn’t know he was living abroad' correctly uses the past simple indicative tense in the main clause and the past continuous tense in the reporting clause. Here, 'I didn’t know' refers to a past situation, and 'he was living abroad' describes the state of the exchange student during that time. The use of the past continuous tense in the reporting clause indicates an ongoing action.
Example 3: Paul Loves His New Job in the States
When discussing a current situation, such as 'Paul loves his new job in the States,' the present tense is appropriate. In the subsequent sentence, 'What! I didn’t even know he was living abroad,' the use of the past simple tense is correct because it refers to an action in the past, indicating a lack of information about the current situation of the exchange student.
Verb Tense Consistency
The correct phrasing for describing how an exchange student feels about their experience should maintain verb tense consistency. For instance, the phrase 'How does it feel like being an exchange student' is incorrect because the use of 'like' with 'being' is redundant and grammatically unjustified. The correct phrasing should be 'How does it feel like to be an exchange student,' which includes the modal 'to be' and indicates a habitual or general state.
When to Use 'Like'
The phrase 'like' is typically used in comparisons or to indicate preference, as in 'She feels like swimming after a long walk.' In the context of describing feelings or experiences, it should be used to compare or describe, not to replace the verb 'to be'.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct phrasing is 'How does it feel like to be an exchange student,' which maintains the correct sequence of tenses and adheres to proper grammatical rules. This phrasing ensures clarity and accuracy in describing the experience of a former exchange student. By understanding the importance of verb tense consistency, one can effectively communicate their experiences and ensure that their writing or spoken language is clear and grammatically sound.