[Grammar] tense

[LQZ]

Dear teacher,

I am confused about tense of how to express I am suffering or have been suffering something uncomfortable and need your confirmation to remove my confusion. Can I say:

1 I am breaking out in a cold sweat.
2 I've broken out in a cold sweat.
3 I've kept breaking out in a cold sweat.
4 I break out in a cold sweat.

Could you please tell me which one sounds natural to your native ears? Thanks.


LQZ

 

[LQZ]

All of them, except #3, sound natural to me.

Thank you, Gillnetter.

One more question: why does #4 predict what will happen, not state my habit?

 

[emsr2d2]

Thank you, Gillnetter.

One more question: why does #4 predict what will happen, not state my habit?

I wouldn't say it refers to the future either. It's the present simple. It would suggest a habit more if it actually said "I always break out in a cold sweat when I..."

 

[LQZ]

Thanks. emsr2d2.:-D