how long

Hi,

A visiting professor has come to visit James's lab and will stay in town for 5 days.

Which of the following is the correct sentence to ask about the duration of the professor's stay?

1. How long will Professor X be here?

2. How long is Professor X going to be here?

3. How long is Professor X here?

These are all fine

If there's a more correct sentence, please share with me. They are not more correct,but you could also say things like these.

How long is he going to stay?

When does he leave?

How many days is he here?

Best wishes, Clive

Hi,

1. Would you still say "How long is he going to stay?" if you know that is his second day in town, meaning he has stayed one day. Yes, I might say that. If so, what would be the correct answer, 4 or 5 days? You could answer 'Another 4 days'.

Or I might ask 'How much longer is he going to stay?'

2. Why is 'to' needed after 'come'? I've seen a native write this:

He is trying to come visit you. The 'to come' shows purpose. It is sometimes omitted in informal speech. Sometimes, we say 'He is trying to come and visit you'.

Clive