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Present vs Future

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Guest  #71407  Tue, 01 Feb 05 04:58 AM
There is a sign in Cali that reads "Together we build a better future." To me. this doesn't sound grammatically correct. Building a better future is a future action therefore it should be stated in the future tense. I think the sign should read "Together we'll build a better future." Many people have argued with me that the sign refers to the present. Even so, the sign should read "Together we're building a better future" right? I'm open for opinions here, thank you.
  
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Mister Micawber  #71437  Tue, 01 Feb 05 06:54 AM

This is a not-uncommon form, Guest-- 'United we stand, divided we fall'. It states a condition, state or truth which is enduring: existing now and yesterday and tomorrow. Using the continuous ('are building') limits the activity to the present, and I presume was not chosen by the sloganeer because s/he was not referring to the moment only, but to his/her overview.

  
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