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Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Present continuous

Dear everyone

I have problems understanding the use of present continuous

Consider the following example which describes sheep races taken from a grammar book:

"In a typical race, half a dozen sheep race downhill over a course of about half a mile. Food is waiting for them at the other end of the track, I ought to add!"

Why the use of present continuous in the second sentence? It is not happening right now, nor is it an "annoying habit" or a "changing situation" or a "future plan" as we studied.

Any answer is appreciated
(sorry for bad English)

Esther
  

Top answer

Anonymous Why the use of present continuous in the second sentence? The only thing it really does is enliven the narrative. But it does apply to the 'now' of the story.

— Mister Micawber

  • Anonymous Why the use of present continuous in the second sentence?
  • The only thing it really does is enliven the narrative.
  • But it does apply to the 'now' of the story.
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4 Answers
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AnonymousWhy the use of present continuous in the second sentence?
The only thing it really does is enliven the narrative. But it does apply to the 'now' of the story.
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Thank you for your quick reply!
Does this mean I may use simple present in this case? Would that also be gramatically correct?
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It is possible, and grammatically correct. I think the continuous is more natural. It suggests the duration of the waiting; the food was ready (and waiting) before the race began and was there throughout the race.
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Thank you very much!
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