0
Hector9 Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Is not working - Doesn't work


If I want to say that the photocopier is not working, which of these sentences are correct or which one (if there's only one):

The photocopier is not working

The photocopier doesn't work


Thank you
  

Top answer

Use the first one because the "ing" form shows that it's temporary. If something "doesn't work" it might not ever work again, but if it's "not working" it suggests it will be working again in the future.

  • Use the first one because the "ing" form shows that it's temporary.
  • If something "doesn't work" it might not ever work again, but if it's "not working" it suggests it will be working again in the future.
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.

2 Answers
0
Use the first one because the "ing" form shows that it's temporary. If something "doesn't work" it might not ever work again, but if it's "not working" it suggests it will be working again in the future.
0
Hi Grammar Geek,

I am not a native speaker as you speaks brilliant, and my english is not good as yours.

"The photocopy machine is not working well, it might be broken, so I need to get them to fix it immediately.?"

Related Questions