[Grammar] obtain vs are obtaining

[Oceanlike]

The cloning of different varieties of plants has led to many hybrid plants which have proved more productive in agriculture. However, this has raised concern about the dangers of cloning, as scientists obtain the knowledge to blend one animal species with another.

Question: Why are some people concerned about the dangers of cloning? (1m)

My answer: It is because scientists obtain the knowledge to blend one animal species with another.

My answer is correct except for the use of ‘obtain’. It should be ‘are obtaining’. I don’t understand why the simple present is incorrect in answering this question.

Thank you for teaching me. :-D

 

[jutfrank]

The cloning of different varieties of plants has led to many hybrid plants which have proved more productive in agriculture. However, this has raised concern about the dangers of cloning, as scientists obtain the knowledge to blend one animal species with another.

My answer: It is because scientists obtain the knowledge to blend one animal species with another.

My answer is correct except for the use of ‘obtain’. It should be ‘are obtaining’. I don’t understand why the simple present is incorrect in answering this question.

I can totally understand why you chose simple present, as that is the tense used in the original sentence, the bold part of which is not well written.

 

[andrewg927]

I don't know if I would say "obtain" is wrong but I think "obtaining" is better because it is a process. They are still doing it.

 

[Tdol]

In the original, as fulfils the function of describing the process, though this isn't terribly clear as it could have other meanings.

 

[Oceanlike]

'... are obtaining' is the correct choice.

Please help me to understand why 'are obtaining' is the correct choice.

Thank you!

 

[Tdol]

Their knowledge is not complete- it is an ongoing process.