[Grammar] getting vs get

[lydon]

Hello

Would anyone help me out with this question?

Trees (get)____________ bigger and bigger with every second that passes.

a. get
b. are getting

I chose (a) because of [every second] which, I think, indicates a period
of time such as [everyday],[every Friday] and so on. But the answer sheet
says the correct answer is (b). Can anyone explain this to me?

 

[Tdol]

The first implies a general fact to me- this is how trees in general behave. The second would work better if it said 'the trees' or something to denote that it was some group of trees. We do often use the progressive when we have the comparative + comparative structure, but not always and I agree with you that get is better. It's not s much that the second is an error, but I can't really see the logic behind saying this, unless the person is scared of trees or something.

 

[Harry Smith]

Hello

Would anyone help me out with this question?

Trees (get)____________ bigger and bigger with every second that passes.

a. get
b. are getting

I chose (a) because of [every second] which, I think, indicates a period
of time such as [everyday],[every Friday] and so on. But the answer sheet
says the correct answer is (b). Can anyone explain this to me?

I think "b'" is correct. I can see a certain duration of the action here....Trees are getting bigger and bigger with every second....( though I'd say every paasing second).;-)

 

[lydon]

The first implies a general fact to me- this is how trees in general behave. The second would work better if it said 'the trees' or something to denote that it was some group of trees. We do often use the progressive when we have the comparative + comparative structure, but not always and I agree with you that get is better. It's not s much that the second is an error, but I can't really see the logic behind saying this, unless the person is scared of trees or something.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!.

 

[lydon]

Thanks.