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Catull Posted 10 years ago
Grammar
Present continuos - different usage?
Hey,
I have recognised that there are many cases where you don't use the present continuos form only to talk about the present moment. I googled and learnt that it is used for ongoing actions, temporary actions and future plans.
BUT why do I find (odd) sentences like these on the internet:
"The girl is missing her legs" (a permanent stituation? why continuos)
"We have curious neighbours, who are always asking questions (it's a habit, why not simple present?)
Can you actually use the continuos forms also just to put emphasis on the action itself? Like: I drive dangerous cars vs. I'm driving dangerous cars ("hey look at me, I'm so brave and have so much courage to drive these cars!")
I have recognised that there are many cases where you don't use the present continuos form only to talk about the present moment. I googled and learnt that it is used for ongoing actions, temporary actions and future plans.
BUT why do I find (odd) sentences like these on the internet:
"The girl is missing her legs" (a permanent stituation? why continuos)
"We have curious neighbours, who are always asking questions (it's a habit, why not simple present?)
Can you actually use the continuos forms also just to put emphasis on the action itself? Like: I drive dangerous cars vs. I'm driving dangerous cars ("hey look at me, I'm so brave and have so much courage to drive these cars!")
Top answer
Hello, Catull—and welcome to English Forums. Thank you for registering as a member. Catull "The girl is missing her legs" (a permanent stituation?
- Hello, Catull—and welcome to English Forums.
- Thank you for registering as a member.
- Catull "The girl is missing her legs" (a permanent stituation?
- 1 Not present or included when expected or supposed to be .
- ) It is, as you say, a way of emphasizing or making more immediate for the reader.
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2 Answers
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Hello, Catull—and welcome to English Forums. Thank you for registering as a member.
missing
ADJECTIVE
1.1 Not present or included when expected or supposed to be.
Catull"The girl is missing her legs" (a permanent stituation? why continuos)'Missing' is an adjective:
missing
ADJECTIVE
1.1 Not present or included when expected or supposed to be.
Catulle have curious neighbours, w
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Catullpresent continuoscontinuous Note the spelling. u - o - u
There is no present continuous in The girl is missing her legs unless it's supposed to mean that she feels lonely without her legs and hopes that they will return soon. ( My wife is away for a week to take care of her elderly m
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