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MJ_Misa
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Present simple or continuous?
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Dear colleagues.
I feel really embarrased asking this question but I have to ask
I found this sentence and I am not sure what tense use.
(Peter and Jane work) in London at the moment?
Because there is "at the moment", it �s indicating there should be pr. continuous but I �d rather use pr. simple because I understand it that they have been living and working there for some time, and they go to work on regular basis.
Sorry to ask you such silly question, but I �m really confused.
Thank you very much, Michaela
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19 Nov 2009
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alinasontu
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Indeed, that "at the moment � seems confusing. But I must agree with you... "at the moment" refers to a rather permanent thing so we use present simple. We would have used pres. cont. if the verb had referred to an action going on in the moment of speaking. So, there �s no doubt about it... present simple rules! Good luck! |
19 Nov 2009
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highfa
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Yeah, I agree present simple rules, because the present continuous refers to an action that �s happening right now
regards
Highfa
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19 Nov 2009
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MJ_Misa
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Thanks a lot for your answers. 
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19 Nov 2009
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gabitza
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I see it the exact opposite !! ?! What I understand is that They work somewhere else and at the moment they are working in London - for a change - or for a determined period of time. I would use Pres.Cont.
The sentence may be wrong!
Hugs,
Gabitza
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19 Nov 2009
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Kate (kkcat)
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We can use present continuous for temporary situations. "This week I am staying at my friend �s place". �At the moment � indicates that probably they work at another place and it is temporary (maybe it is going to last for a week or for a month). So, I would use Present Continuous.
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19 Nov 2009
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Vivi Quir
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definitely present continuous! |
19 Nov 2009
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FroggyClaudine
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I tend to agree with Gabitza. I �d say that they work in general but at the moment (which is not all the time but the moment we say it) they are working in London. |
19 Nov 2009
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Zora
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Yup. I would also use the Present Continuous tense in the example.
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19 Nov 2009
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baiba
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I also vote for Present Continuous!
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19 Nov 2009
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alichka
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Present Continuous for sure!
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19 Nov 2009
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