Velimir  +  590284 Fri, 21 Nov 08 01:17 PM Hello everybody, I would like you to know whether it is correct to use either the present continious tense or the simple present tense in the following sentences and if so which option would be more appropriate : 1. We're eating / eat in the kitchen for the time being. and would it affect the choice between the two tenses if I changed the adverb phrase in the sentence: 2. We're eating / eat in the kitchen during this winter. Thank you for your help Velimir Joined on Mon, Nov 12 2007 Junior Member 84 Simple Present, Verbs, Tenses, Adverbs, Present Tenses

	Mister Micawber  +  590286 Fri, 21 Nov 08 01:19 PM . These are correct: 1. We're eating in the kitchen for the time being. 2. We're eating in the kitchen during this winter. Mister Micawber Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004 Yokohama Veteran Member 26,615 'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.' Simple Present

	CalifJim  +  590432 Fri, 21 Nov 08 08:19 PM You have adverbs that identify bounded periods of time.  These would normally contradict the simple present, which is almost timeless, so you have to use the continuous aspect. We [always / usually / frequently / often / sometimes / ... eat in the kitchen.  But not: *We eat in the kitchen [these days / this week / this winter / for now / for the time being / temporarily]. (Even the position of the adverb in the sentence changes.) CJ  CalifJim Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004 California Veteran Member 20,318 "There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche Simple Present, Verbs, Adverbs