trying moments of/in life

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Angliholic

#422195 Fri, 21 Sep 07 08:28 PM

As Granny Peach says, the freezing frost of winter, the blasting thunder of spring, and the scorching sun of summer are all needed for peach trees to produce the best peaches. Likewise, trying moments of/in life are needed for each one of us to enjoy happiness.

I wonder if "trying moments of life" and "trying moments in life" both work in the above context. If yes, are there subtle differences? Thanks.

Angliholic

Joined on Wed, Feb 14 2007

SomewhereinFormosa

Veteran Member (5,511)

Without true love, life is meaningless and worthless since our physical world is nothing but a dream. ~~Angliholic~~簡瑞達

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CalifJim

#422226 Fri, 21 Sep 07 10:07 PM

Both work. I'd have used "in". "moments of life" is a bit more static and abstract. "moments in life" is a bit more dynamic and involving.

CJ

CalifJim

Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004

California

Veteran Member (17,564)

"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche

Angliholic

#422288 Sat, 22 Sep 07 03:06 AM

CalifJim wrote:
Both work. I'd have used "in". "moments of life" is a bit more static and abstract. "moments in life" is a bit more dynamic and involving.

CJ

Thanks, Jim.

But could you explain in a few words as for why "trying moments of life" is a bit more static and abstract? I couldn't sense it!

Angliholic

CalifJim

#422514 Sun, 23 Sep 07 07:53 AM

of is a simple associative relationship here. The particular kind of association is not specified.

moments that are associated with life

in suggests containment within a process. It suggests involvement within the process.

moments that are encountered in the process of living life

It may take more reading to develop the necessary amount of familiarity with such expressions before you begin to "sense" the small differences.

CJ

CalifJim

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Angliholic

#422547 Sun, 23 Sep 07 11:03 AM

Thanks, Jim.

Angliholic