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Nsfs2 Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Die vs dying

Hi,

Can one use 'die' with the meaning 'stop living' in the present continuous or should one use it in the simple present.For example,'A lot of people die/are dying because of wars today.'

Thanks.
  

Top answer

"Should you" - I haven't studied this recently, but I don't see a problem. "Can you" - yes.

— Leah S

  • "Should you" - I haven't studied this recently, but I don't see a problem.
  • "Can you" - yes.
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4 Answers
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"Should you" - I haven't studied this recently, but I don't see a problem. "Can you" - yes.
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Leah S"Should you" - I haven't studied this recently, but I don't see a problem. "Can you" - yes.
Is this a case when simple present can substitute for present continuous without any change in meaning?If so,what do we call this case?Are there other cases?

Thanks.
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nsfs2Is this a case when simple present can substitute for present continuous without any change in meaning?
No.
The present continuous in this sentence makes the fact of people dying more immediate. The present simple is more coolly neutral, in my opinion.
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My tense technicalities are fuzzy. I somewhat recall simple present are things which are true in general long term, and present continuous are continuing right now but not necessarily in the future. In that light, to me, "A lot of people die because of wars" and "A lot of people are dying because of wars" are practically the same, but when you add "today" in, then that might alter things as far as
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