students taking part in

[GoldfishLord]

M: Good. I'm scheduled to shoot your school's graduation photos on Wednesday, November 23rd. So, I'm calling to confirm the details
W: Sure. As we previously discussed, the place will be Lily Pond Park.
M: Okay. Could you tell me the exact number of students taking part in the photo session?
W: Let me check. [Pause] Well, it'll be 180 students

Source: Korean exam

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I think that "students taking part" means "students who taking part".
In that case, what's the reason why "students who are taking part" is in the present continuous.

 

[Barque]

I think that "students taking part" means "students who are taking part".

You can take it as "students who are taking part" or "students who will take part". Effectively, it makes no difference.

In that case, what's the reason why "students who are taking part" is in the present continuous.

What's your objection to the present continuous? What do you think it should be?

 

[GoldfishLord]

You can take it as "students who are taking part" or "students who will take part". Effectively, it makes no difference.

What's your objection to the present continuous? What do you think it should be?

I don't object to it. I'd like to know why "be -ing" form is used there.

 

[5jj]

I think that "students taking part" means "students who are taking part".

That is a possible paraphrase, but see:

Students taking (who took) part in last weeks demonstration have received official warnings.
Students taking part (who are taking part) in the current demonstration are worried about the consequences.
Students taking part (who take part) in demonstrations will be expelled.

 

[5jj]

I'd like to know why "be -ing" form is used there.

It isn't used in the original. There is no BE present.

 

[Barque]

I don't object to it.

If you don't object to the "ing" form, why are you questioning it? If you question it, it implies you think it's wrong.

It's used because it fits the context. You could also read it as "who are going to take part".

I'd really be interested to hear your answer by the way.

 

[GoldfishLord]

If you don't object to the "ing" form, why are you questioning it? If you question it, it implies you think it's wrong.

It's used because it fits the context. You could also read it as "who are going to take part".

I'd really be interested to hear your answer by the way.

I wonder if the "are taking" in "students who are taking part" means "are going to take".

 

[Barque]

Yes. As I said above,

You could also read it as "who are going to take part".

There's generally more than one way to express a particular idea in English. It's up to the speaker or writer to decide which one.

 

[Barque]

In that sentence:

Students taking part = Students who are taking part = Students who will take part = Students who are going to take part = Students who will be taking part = Students who are expected to take part.

 

[5jj]

I wonder if the "are taking" in "students who are taking part" means "are going to take".

No.

The fact that construction A and construction B can both be used to speak of a particular situation does not mean that construction A 'means' construction B.

 

[Tarheel]

@GoldfishLord Context tells you everything. It had already been established that they were talking about a future event. That should be your guide.

 

[GoldfishLord]

@GoldfishLord Context tells you everything. It had already been established that they were talking about a future event. That should be your guide.

Out of the context, could the "are taking" in "Could you tell me the exact number of students who are taking part in the photo session" mean "will take" and "are in the middle of taking"?

 

[jutfrank]

The present continuous can be used to talk about both the present and the future, yes.

 

[emsr2d2]

Out of the context,

Without context, ...
Absent context, ...
In the absence of context, ...

 

[Barque]

I think GoldfishLord meant "From the (given) context". "Out of" as in "arising out of", not "outside".