As we speak/As we're speaking ?

[ph2004]

Wouldn't it be more logical to say "as we're speaking" instead of "as we speak" ?

 

[gauri_agr]

"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*

 

[sarat_106]

"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%

 

[gauri_agr]

Thanks Sarat. I need to learn at Phrases and Idioms.

 

[ph2004]

“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.)

 

[sarat_106]

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.)

I think you can use but it will be incorrect to justify this as more logical or better than an idiomatic use.. ‘We are speaking’ is a sentence in present continuous tense and it means that the speaking action is going on at the very moment. So using ‘as’ as a relative pronoun to introduce this sentence can also convey more or less the same meaning.
Tom: Waiter, where is my steak? It's taking a long time.
Waiter: It is being grilled, Sir, as we are speaking.

 

[Raymott]

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.
To answer your specific question: no, it would be neither more nor less logical.