ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: have blocked vs are blocking

New2grammar — Sat, 17 May 2008 15:54:02 GMT

Well, are you writing about a past situation leading to the present or a current/ongoing situation? Think.

It can be both. In fact, in most cases like this both are applicable.
Let's say landslides occured a couple of days ago and so far, the goverment hasn't ordered contractors to clear the river.
So to me, it's a past situation (landslides) leading to the present (river is still clogged). and it's also an ongoing situation (nobody will clear the river in the near future)
That's why I posted this question to see how native speakers pick the preferred tense.

I need to think about the second hint. I'll get back to you in a while

(Edit)

I guess we can use 'with' in place of 'which'

Landslided caused by the earthquake have blocked/are blocking a river in
the affected areas, creating two massive lakes with water levels rising rapidly.

As for 'which'

Landslided caused by the earthquake have blocked/are blocking a river in
the affected areas, creating two massive lakes [in which?] water levels rising rapidly.

Actually I don't see anything wrong with the original which though it sounds a bit odd. Can you give me a hint why the 'which' is wrong?

Re: have blocked vs are blocking

Marius Hancu — Sat, 17 May 2008 15:27:06 GMT

Well, are you writing about a past situation leading to the present or a current/ongoing situation? Think.

lakes which water levels are rising rapidly [Bad English. Think and find the solution, but with "which". I won't give it to you.

have blocked vs are blocking

New2grammar — Sat, 17 May 2008 12:02:37 GMT

Sometimes, I don't know which tense to use for example,

Landslided caused by the earthquake have blocked/are blocking a river in
the affected areas, creating two massive lakes which water levels are rising rapidly.

Which tense would you choose? I know it's difficult but could you try to explain your choice?

Also, would you use 'whose' in place of 'which'?

Thanks