0
Anglista2008 Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

another odd use of the present simple?

Hi there,

Here's what the queen says to one of her servants in the movie "The Fountain"
The servant approaches her, knees before her, and she asks (seeing him crying)

Why do you cry?

My question is: why on earth does she say it in the present simple instead of (a more appropriate in my opinion) the present continuous Why are you crying?

thanks, best wishes
  

Top answer

anglista2008 why on earth does she say it in the present simple instead of (a more appropriate in my opinion) the present continuous The script writer is not going to have someone who lived long ago speak modern English. The character has to speak the way they spoke during those times. ) This is just another example of how you can't learn modern English by watching historical dramas.

— CalifJim

  • anglista2008 why on earth does she say it in the present simple instead of (a more appropriate in my opinion) the present continuous The script writer is not going to have someone who lived long ago speak modern English.
  • The character has to speak the way they spoke during those times.
  • ) This is just another example of how you can't learn modern English by watching historical dramas.
  • CJ
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

1 Answers
0
anglista2008why on earth does she say it in the present simple instead of (a more appropriate in my opinion) the present continuous
The script writer is not going to have someone who lived long ago speak modern English. The character has to speak the way they spoke during those times. (English did not always use the present continuous the way it is used tod
0

Related Questions