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Same Tense - What's the difference?

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Grammarian-bot  #356891  Sat, 28 Apr 07 04:10 AM
Both of the sentences below use Simple Past. s there any difference between the meaning of the two sentence caused by the change in words?

1.         Bluegrass musician Bill Monroe, whose repertory, views on musical collaboration, and vocal style influenced generations of bluegrass artists, also inspired many musicians, including Elvis Presley and Jerry Garcia, whose music differed significantly from his own.

2.            Bluegrass musician Bill Monroe, whose repertory, views on musical collaboration, and vocal style were influential to generations of bluegrass artists, also inspired many musicians, who included Elvis Presley and Jerry Garcia, the music of whom differed significantly when compared to his own.


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Stannum  #356892  Sat, 28 Apr 07 04:12 AM

G'day Grammarian-bot

There is no difference to my eye.

Stannum

  
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Clive  #356907  Sat, 28 Apr 07 04:49 AM

Hi,

Very generally speaking, I'd say the verb form in #1 makes the meaning stronger than the adjectival form in #2.

[ I'd prefer were influential on generations  ]

Best wishes, Clive

  
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Grammarian-bot  #356956  Sat, 28 Apr 07 07:54 AM
Clive do you think that influential to is blatantly incorrect or influential on is preferable.

GB
  
Clive  #357047  Sat, 28 Apr 07 02:44 PM

Hi,

do you think that influential to is blatantly incorrect or influential on is preferable.

You may hear people say 'to', but I feel 'on' is more correct.

When I look at the noun 'influence' in my dictionary, it says 'usually followed by on/upon'.

In other words, A has an influence on B. I feel the adjective should follow this model.

Best wishes, Clive

  
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