MrPernickety  +  700233 Thu, 23 Apr 09 06:11 AM Hi,   I'm having a hard time figuring out which one to pick. The situation is as follows: There is a row in a datatable that I want to delete, but another "participant" makes use of it, so this row is locked for deletion. Just the same, I am not aware of that participant and try to delete it - at this time the system should apprise me of the fact that I can't do so. What should be the message of apprisal? 1. You cannot delete the row as it is being used (suggested by my co-worker, I'm not in favor of it) 2. You cannot delete the row as it is in use (my suggestion)   Please, have a pick (I'd like to know a native speaker's opinion on this)   Thanks a bunch ! MrPernickety

	Best answer by Avangi  +  700247 Thu, 23 Apr 09 07:18 AM I don't know.  To my ear, "it is in use" implies continuous use.  From what you say, the use is intermittent. Ironically, the continuous tense in this case works better to suggest intermittent use. That is, we can say "It's being used from time to time." We'd be less likely to say, "It's in use from time to time," although it's certainly possible. So I think "it is being used" is more appropriate in this case. When you say "it's in use," it may be taken to mean "it's being used continuously at the moment, but eventually it will not be in use."  (So if you wait a while, you'll be able to use it.) Avangi

	Avangi  +  700249 Thu, 23 Apr 09 07:21 AM Edit.  With "it's being used," we would understand that if the use is intermittent, that situation will be continuous.  That is, it will not be available in the forseeable future. Avangi

	MrPernickety  +  700250 Thu, 23 Apr 09 07:21 AM I see whatcha sayin', Avangi )) Thank you ! MrPernickety

	Avangi  +  700252 Thu, 23 Apr 09 07:28 AM Edit.    will not be available for deletion in the forseeable future. Avangi

	MrPernickety  +  700257 Thu, 23 Apr 09 07:51 AM Point well taken ! PS: I wonder if the edit button will be available for use in the foreseeable future )))   MrPernickety

	Avangi  +  700262 Thu, 23 Apr 09 08:38 AM I'm beginning to have me doubts. Avangi