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Progressive vs. Simple Present

Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2013 9:41 am
by Mithrandir
Hello,

I am studying for a grammar test right now and will probably have a couple of questions per topic. I assume it is not allowed to post multiple sentences in one post (regarding to the "Read First" topic). Should I open a topic for each of them?

Here is my first sentence:

"If I wait for a 14 I may be late, and if you are late at my office everyone is looking at you."

I don't understand why the marked phrase is set in progressive whereas the other verbs are simple. I don't see any difference regarding (limited) duration of the actions and as a future form I would probably have picked the simple future.

Re: Progressive vs. Simple Present

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 7:10 am
by Alan
I agree. The usage is strange, and the present simply would be expected here.

(Yes, separate posts for separate sentences, please.)