Tenses

Question

The economy is continuing to expand.The economy will continue to expand.The economy is to continue its expansion.I guess second sentence sounds a lot better than other two. However I am not certain about the difference between  Present continuous /simple future /is to + verb and I guess all above sentences indicates future event Any specific rules when to use what ...Please help me outThank you

Canadian45 · Accepted Answer

pokhI guess the second sentence sounds a lot better than the other two. It's not a matter of how they sound; they all sound okay and are correct English. The difference is in the meaning.
1) The economy is continuing to expand. This one really is only talking about the 'present' and is not saying what will happen in the future It's comparing the 'present' to the past. Actually, as economic activity is reported on a delayed basis, it is really comparing the recent past to the more distant past.

2) The economy will continue to expand.

3) The economy is to continue its expansion.

2) and 3) are expressing predictions about the future.

c45

CalifJim · Answer

pokhThe economy is continuing to expand.

The economy will continue to expand.

The economy is to continue its expansion.

is continuing - an observation about the present
will continue - a firm belief about the future

is to continue - a reported intention for the future

CJ

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