Present continuous vs Simple past (Which one should I use?)
I am not sure about which tense is the correct one to use "the present continuous" or "simple past" in the following case.
Let's say that I am participating in a conversation on a forum on a website. After someone (John) replied to the thread, what tense should I use in my reply?
1. John, it makes perfect sense what you ARE SAYING.
2. John, it makes perfect sense what you SAID.
Search from various English teachers...
Answers · 9
2
It depends on the situation. If you are in a discussion with John, you would likely say "what you are saying". If John expressed himself prior to the discussion, it would be "what you said"
1
I agree with Thomas. I would say "John, it makes perfect sense what you ARE SAYING." if I was in a conversation with John and referring to a comment he just made.
I would say "John, it makes perfect sense what you SAID." if I was in a conversation with John and referring to a comment he made earlier, maybe 20 minutes ago or even yesterday.
It makes perfect sense what you ARE SAYING = Tiene sentido lo que dices.
It makes perfect sense what you SAID. = Tiene sentido lo que dijiste.
0
It depends on the situation. If you are in a discussion with John, you would likely say "what you are saying". If John expressed himself prior to the discussion, it would be "what you said"
0
Excellent! Thanks, Küh. Thanks, Lauren.
0
Both tenses are okay grammatically. I think the present continuous -- "What you are saying" -- is better because it is connected to the present moment if you are currently involved in a discussion. However, the following word order is more natural "What you are saying makes perfect sense".
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