Will do vs. will be doing

Question

Hi!I read the following grammar question in a TOEIC book:Q. A demonstration of the most recent PDA model will ______ place in the conference room on the third floor before it goes on sale.A. takeB. be takenC. be takingD. have taken(Answer: A)Isn't the choice C possible answer?Thanks in advance.

Avangi · Accepted Answer

Niue I read the following grammar question in a TOEIC book:

Q. A demonstration of the most recent PDA model will __ place in the conference room on the third floor before it goes on sale.

A. take
B. be taken
C. be taking
D. have taken

(Answer: A)

Isn't the choice C possible answer?I think it's a grey area. It depends on how you conceive of the "demonstration." Is it an ongoing, continuous, repetitious demonstration? Is it a single, discrete, fairly involved demonstration?

If there's going to be only one thorough, comprehensive demonstration, which should be observed in its entirety, I think A. is the best answer.

Niue · Answer

Thanks.

Let me confirm what you've answered:

"Is it an ongoing, continuous, repetitious demonstration?"

-> If an anwer to this question is YES, is C correct?

"Is it a single, discrete, fairly involved demonstration?"

-> If an anwer to this question is YES, is A correct?

Thanks in advance.

Avangi · Answer

Yes, and Yes. You understood me correctly. I don't think you can make a hard and fast rule which will work in all cases, and I don't think it would exactly be incorrect to reverse the answers in the cases you describe.

An eclipse of the sun will be taking place on August 2.

An eclipse of the sun will take place on August 2.

These both work. You see one eclipse, you've seen 'em all. There's one complete (or partial) eclipse taking place, and if you come in in the middle of the show, no big deal.

Perhaps the distinction could be made more clear by using the definite article:

The demonstration of the PDA model will take place on Tuesday.

Demonstrations of the PDA model will be taking place on Tuesday.

By using the simple tense, you emphasize that the demonstration should/must be seen in its entirety.

The explosion will be taking place on Tuesday.

Registration for the next semester will take place on Tuesday.

Even though the explosion will be instantaneous, and we'd normally use the simple tense, my ear also accepts the continuous.

Conversely, although registration will be going on all day, my ear also accepts the simple tense.

Edit. I just noticed that your subject title is will do vs. will be doing. This works out a little bit differently.

To do something is usually taken as to complete something.

To be doing something is usually taken as to be engaged in doing something.

I will do my homework tomorrow.

I will be doing my homework tomorrow.

In the first case, you'll complete it. In the second case, you may not.

This is only because of the special meaning of the verb "to do."

I'll work on my homework tomorrow. I'll be working on my homework tomorrow. (no difference.)

Goodman · Answer

A demonstration of the most recent PDA model will _take_ place in the conference room on the third floor before it goes on sale.

I could be wrong.

But I believe while future progressive seems to be a logical answer, it is in my opinion unnecessary in this context. In fact, it's an overkill.

I can't detail exactly how and when to apply each one, but I think it's context critical.

Consider the following:

The company spokesman confirmed that the company will hold a press conference before the earning release.

This is a general statement concerning an up coming event. So a simple future structure is simply adaquate.

The company spokesman confirmed that the company will be holding a press conference sometime in the next few days in response to....

"Holding a press conference" is a confirmed future action in response to an inquiry. Thus, future progressive is appropriate.

That's how I see it.

CalifJim · Answer

NiueHi!
I read the following grammar question in a TOEIC book:

Q. A demonstration of the most recent PDA model will __ place in the conference room on the third floor before it goes on sale.

A. take
B. be taken
C. be taking
D. have taken

(Answer: A)

Isn't the choice C possible answer?

Thanks in advance.

Yes. I think C is also a possible answer, grammatically. But the natural reaction of a native speaker is to interpret the whole sentence as an official announcement about a new product. Thus, the "colder" version will take place instinctively comes to mind.

There is no need to use the "warmer" version will be taking place, in which we might imagine the details of the demonstration as it unfolds in real time. Also, if the demonstration will be taking place, there is even the possibility of thinking that it will be going on over some period of time, and that we might wander in at any time during the demonstration if we wish to do so, that there is no definite program, that people are coming and going, and that we might be able to talk to the company representatives individually, and maybe leisurely have coffee and rolls with them as they answer our questions, and leave whenever we wish.

____

If it sounds like an official announcement of an event, the simple form is more likely.

The school baseball team will meet at 3 pm for a one-hour practice session.

If it sounds like a casual observation about an activity, the continuous form is more likely.

The boys will be practicing baseball from 3 to 4 this afternoon, so don't plan anything else for them during that time.

CJ

Will do vs. will be doing

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