[Grammar] simple present or present continuous ?

[nininaz]

Hello Dear Teachers,

Although The bold context states present continuous , We always use” simple present” for habitual events (we know: earth rotates at a speed of 1,100 miles per hour -this situation is permanent event-) and present continuous states that special events and sometime temperoraly
Now, Why in the following sentence use present continuous?

"We know that the Earth rotates very quickly. In fact, right now
it is rotating at a speed of 1,100 miles per hour"
Thanks.

 

[Raymott]

[Not an astronomer]
It's used for stylistic effect. The fact that the earth rotates at 1,100 mph is interesting, but not as absorbing or exciting to contemplate as the fact that it is doing so at this very moment! That means that you and I are travelling at 1,100 mph. Putting it that way adds immediacy to the fact.

Also, over time, the speed may change. But don't quote me on that.

 

[nininaz]

I didn't understand your explanation. It still dose not make sense to me

 

[MikeNewYork]

I didn't understand your explanation. It still dose not make sense to me

The present tense focuses on something that has been true over a period of time. It can be called a general truth or even a habit.
The present continuous focuses on something that is happening right at that moment.

 

[Raymott]

The present tense focuses on something that has been true over a period of time. It can be called a general truth or even a habit.
The present continuous focuses on something that is happening right at that moment.

S/he knows that. That's why she's asking why the present continuous is used here for a general truth. Perhaps you could have a go?

Anyhow, in other words:
"E' usato per ottenere effetti stilistici. Il fatto che la terra ruota a 1.100 mph è interessante, ma non come assorbente o eccitante a contemplare come il fatto che lo sta facendo in questo momento! Ciò significa che io e te si viaggia a 1.100 miglia all'ora. Mettendo in questo modo aggiunge immediatezza al fatto."

I don't understand what you don't understand. The simple present doesn't have to be used for permanent things. If a different stylistic usage gives the effect that the author wants, he will use it.

 

[MikeNewYork]

S/he knows that. That's why she's asking why the present continuous is used here for a general truth. Perhaps you could have a go?

Anyhow, in other words:
"E' usato per ottenere effetti stilistici. Il fatto che la terra ruota a 1.100 mph è interessante, ma non come assorbente o eccitante a contemplare come il fatto che lo sta facendo in questo momento! Ciò significa che io e te si viaggia a 1.100 miglia all'ora. Mettendo in questo modo aggiunge immediatezza al fatto."

I don't understand what you don't understand. The simple present doesn't have to be used for permanent things. If a different stylistic usage gives the effect that the author wants, he will use it.

The OP seemed not to understand your explanation. So I "had a go". Problem?

 

[Raymott]

The OP seemed not to understand your explanation. So I "had a go". Problem?

Yes, the problem is that for her to be able to ask the question implies that she already knows your answer. Her example is about an exception to the rule, so quoting the rule to her - which she understands and has given us - will not help. She wants to know why the rule has not been followed here. I explained all this in the first sentence of my last post.

PS: By suggesting that you might like to have a go, I wasn't being sarcastic. I was seriously suggesting that you might make a better fist at explaining this exception, and it did not occur to me that this is what you thought you'd done in post #4.