The simple present or the progressive

[Rachel Adams]

Hello.

This screenshot below is from the book "Macmillan English Grammar in Context" by Michael Vince.
I used the present simple in "c", "i" and the progressive in "j".

C. "And what exactly causes this outbreak?"
I. "Most parents simply don't realise what j.is happening to their children."

According to the book "realise" can be used in the progressive. I think it's not a mistake to use the progressive in "c" and "i". Am I right?

The second screenshot is better.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

I don't know. The c, i, and j in the screenshot don't mention outbreaks or realization.

They might be written:

c. There seems to be a mistake.
i. This book looks interesting.
j. What does the book contain?

But they have nothing to do with outbreaks or realizing.

 

[Rachel Adams]

I don't know. The c, i, and j in the screenshot don't mention outbreaks or realization.

They might be written:

c. There seems to be a mistake.
i. This book looks interesting.
j. What does the book contain?

But they have nothing to do with outbreaks or realizing.

No, I am talking about the text "Doctors express concern over heavy bags."

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

No, I am talking about the text "Doctors express concern over heavy bags."

Sorry, I don't see the letters.

 

[Rachel Adams]

Sorry, I don't see the letters.

I will have to type it. The screenshot is horrible.

"Every year thousands of children go to the doctor because of back pain and in fact this kind if problem is rapidly becoming one of the most common childhood complaints. And what exactly causes (or "is causing?") this outbreak of back strain and muscle fatigue? Most people are simply not realizing (or simply "don't realise") what is happening to their children? ("What happens to their children" is wrong in my opinion).

 

[GoesStation]

And what exactly [STRIKE]causes (or "[/STRIKE]is causing[STRIKE]?")[/STRIKE] this outbreak of back strain and muscle fatigue? Most people [STRIKE]are simply not realizing (or [/STRIKE]simply don't realise what is happening to their children. ("What happens to their children" is wrong in my opinion).

Your final remark is correct. I've struck out the wrong tenses above.

 

[Rachel Adams]

Your final remark is correct. I've struck out the wrong tenses above.

I used "Are not realizing" only because it was mentioned in that book that "Realise" can be usedin the progressive.

 

[Rachel Adams]

The fact that it can - in some contexts - be used in the progressive does not mean that the progressive is always correct and natural.

Yes. I remember you mentioned that in previous threads. But what is not clear to me in these sentences is that the book says the progressive is used to talk about current trends. Children tend to have this problem nowadays and their parents don't realise what causes it. It doesn't say they usually have this problem and they usually don't realise its cause so that's why I thought "What is causing?" And "Are not realizing" are both correct. I don't understand why they are wrong.:-?

 

[Rachel Adams]

'What is causing' is correct.

Perhaps "They are not realising" is not impossible either?

 

[emsr2d2]

No. "not realising" doesn't work. A realisation is a [relatively] sudden occurrence. It's not progressive.

 

[Rachel Adams]

No. "not realising" doesn't work. A realisation is a [relatively] sudden occurrence. It's not progressive.

Hmm, what contexts did the author have in mind when he wrote that "realise" can be used in the progressive?! Maybe again when there is an idea of change?