student asking question

Are "I always carry a scarf" and "I'm always carrying a scarf" different in nuance?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

The meaning between "I always carry a scarf" and "I'm always carrying a scarf" is mostly the same, but there is a slight difference in nuance. "I'm always carrying a scarf" is continuous present tense, so the verb carrying paired with always is used to mean she often carries a scarf. "I always carry a scarf" is present tense and more direct with the meaning that she always carries a scarf and this doesn't change no matter what. Hope this helps!

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