0
Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Tense

Sorry about the mess! The workmen have been installing new equipment in the office all morning or
Sorry about the mess! The workmen are installing new equipment in the office all morning
and why?
  

Top answer

What time is it when you say this? Is it still morning, or is it now afternoon?

  • What time is it when you say this?
  • Is it still morning, or is it now afternoon?
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.

4 Answers
0
What time is it when you say this? Is it still morning, or is it now afternoon?
0
The present continuous is "are doing" - it means it is happening in the present.

Since it is no longer morning, you don't want to use "are installing this morning."

You could use "have been" very soon after it is finished.

However, you can also use the past version: They were installing.
0
AnonymousThe workmen were installing new equipment in the office this morning.
Given that this is said in the afternoon, I would say it as shown above.

CJ

Related Questions