[Grammar] Present simple or continuous?

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Will17

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Hello!!

Are we supposed to use the present simple or present continuous in these cases?

1-I am having / have a meeting tonight.

2:
A: Is this your parcel?

B: yes, it is.

A: What are you sending/do you send?

3: In this case we use /are using the present perfect because the situation we are talking about started in the past and is still present.

4: We organise/ are organising a party on Saturday.

5: It's always good to make the trainees use their tactile memory in order to give them more chances to memorise what they learn/ are learning.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!

W
 

5jj

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2:
A: Is this your parcel?......B: yes, it is.
A: What are you sending/do you send?
In all these sentences both forms are possible, though in certain contexts only one is likely. in#2, for example, 'what do you send?' is realistically possible only if speaker A knows that speaker B regularly sends parcels.
 

Kotfor

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Hello!!

Are we supposed to use the present simple or present continuous in these cases?

1-I am having / have a meeting tonight.

2:
A: Is this your parcel?

B: yes, it is.

A: What are you sending/do you send?

3: In this case we use /are using the present perfect because the situation we are talking about started in the past and is still present.

4: We organise/ are organising a party on Saturday.

5: It's always good to make the trainees use their tactile memory in order to give them more chances to memorise what they learn/ are learning.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!

W
Not a teacher

1) The confusion with Present Simple and Present Continuous occurs when they both express a future action because they have a bit different nuances while meaning pretty much the same.

I am not sure as for this "meeting thing" but in general Present Continuous implies a manifestation of someone's will or desire. In other words if you are planning on going somewhere you say - I am going there tonight. On the other hand if you are supposed to go somewhere due to some kind of schedule or program you would say –I am on duty today. I go there tonight (in accordance with my schedule )

2) TO send is an interesting verb here. Consider this. She sends her appologies. Even though it is happening right at the moment of speaking.

3) I would use Present Simple. General statement.
4) = 1)
5) Both are ok. Becuase Present Continuous in this situation behaves the way Present Simple begaves or I had better say - expresses an idea.
 
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5jj

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Kotfor, the following words appear at the top of this page. Please read them before you post your next response:
"You are welcome to answer questions posted in the Ask a Teacher forum as long as your suggestions, help, and advice reflect a good understanding of the English language. If you are not a teacher, you will need to state that clearly at the top of your post."
 

albertino

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Hello!!

Are we supposed to use the present simple or present continuous in these cases?

1-I am having / have a meeting tonight.(continuous, a prior arrangement )

2:
A: Is this your parcel?

B: yes, it is.

A: What are you sending/do you send? (continuous, an arrangement indicated by context)

3: In this case we use /are using the present perfect because the situation we are talking about started in the past and is still present. (continuous, temporary, an action of short duration, in this particular instance.)

4: We organise/ are organising a party on Saturday.(Same as #1)

5: It's always good to make the trainees use their tactile memory in order to give them more chances to memorise what they learn/ are learning.(continuous, a process with a beginning and ending if the utterance is made at the training spot.)

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!

W
NOT a teacher.
 
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