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John liao Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

present progressive, new concept english 2.94

Some children can cover the whole length of the pool without coming up for breath even once. Whether they will ever become future Olympic champions, only time will tell. Meanwhile, they should encourage those among us who cannot swim five yards before they are gasping for air.

"they are gasping for air", why present progressive is used here? Is it meant the "gasp" activity will be happened in the near future of the activity "swim five yards"?
Does "before they will gasp for air" make sense too?
  

Top answer

john liao "they are gasping for air", why present progressive is used here? To suggest repeated gasps of air. To gasp for air suggests one gasp.

— CalifJim

  • john liao "they are gasping for air", why present progressive is used here?
  • To suggest repeated gasps of air.
  • To gasp for air suggests one gasp.
  • To be gasping for air suggests many gasps in succession.
  • john liao Does "before they will gasp for air" make sense too?
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4 Answers
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john liao"they are gasping for air", why present progressive is used here?
To suggest repeated gasps of air. To gasp for air suggests one gasp. To be gasping for air suggests many gasps in succession.
john liaoDoes "before they will gasp for air" make sense too?
Yes, but in my opinion it's not as realistic a description.
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Actually, it is another word in your text that interested me, john:

Meanwhile, they should encourage those among us who cannot swim five yards before they/we are gasping for air.

I would have written 'we' in spite of 'those'...out of courtesy, perhaps? Any thoughts, CJ?
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Mister Micawber Any thoughts, CJ?
I'm easy. They both sound all right if you scan them fast enough.

Still, I do see the problem if I slow down a bit. Do we go with "those ... who ... they" or with "us who ... we"? Since we'll get an argument from someone no matter what we advise, I'd rather sweep this one under the carpet. Is that an option?
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