"as we're speaking" instead of "as we speak" ?
We speak is present simple tense
we're speaking is present progressive tense
so it depends upon the context which tense you want to use.
* Not a teacher*
“as we speak” or ‘even as we speak’ are idioms which mean: just now; at this very moment. So they have specific application; as:
"I'm sorry, sir," the agent to the late passenger rushing towards the flight, ,"the plane is taking off as we speak."
Take another example:
Tom: Waiter, where is my steak? It's taking a long time.
Waiter: It is being grilled even as we speak, sir.
‘We%
I know that "as we speak" is an idiom, but my question remains the same : wouldn't it be more logical to use the present continuous tense in this idiom ? (I also know language isn't always logical.)
It would be more consistent with how English is generally used, if that's the gist of what you're asking. But idioms often use unusual forms.I know that "as we speak" is an idiom, but my question remains the same : wouldn't it be more logical to use the present continuous tense in this idiom ? (I also know language isn't always logical.)