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Did you use the correct address ?I am really worried that the parcel does not arrive .

Is it better to use won't arrive future instead present in this example.

Yves Lefol
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  • It is not an if sentence – Yves Lefol Feb 24 '24 at 10:29
  • There's an error in your sentence. There should be a question mark after address, and then a new sentence. See this answer to another question about using the simple present tense for future plans/scheduled events. The delivery/arrival of a parcel is a planned/scheduled event. – Billy Kerr Feb 24 '24 at 11:29
  • So present can fit in my example – Yves Lefol Feb 24 '24 at 12:03
  • Or the past tense: I am worried because the parcel has not arrived. – Weather Vane Feb 24 '24 at 12:17
  • The simple present is fine here. It's a scheduled/panned event. Other examples: Let me know when the parcel arrives. Q: Has the parcel arrived yet? A: No, it doesn't arrive until tomorrow – Billy Kerr Feb 24 '24 at 12:52
  • I don't find the OP's sentence idiomatic. "I'm worried that it won't/may not arrive" or, as Weather Vane suggests, "...because it hasn't arrived [yet]". – Kate Bunting Feb 24 '24 at 13:35
  • so why not present ? Perhaps present would mean that it is something happening most of the time , it is not a fact but a probability that it won't arrive – Yves Lefol Feb 24 '24 at 13:55
  • I agree with Kate, it does not work here and is not grammatical. It is used for short actions occuring now, which is not the case really with the package. – Lambie Feb 25 '24 at 14:52

2 Answers2

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Yes, you've got a keen eye for detail, Yves! In the context of your sentence, "won't arrive" is indeed the better choice. Let's break it down:

Saying "does not arrive" is using the present tense, which implies a general statement or a habitual action. It doesn't quite fit when you're talking about a specific event happening in the future, like waiting for a parcel.

"Won't arrive" uses the future tense, which is perfect for expressing a concern or doubt about something that hasn't happened yet, as your parcel reaches you.

So, if you're expressing worry about the future arrival of your parcel, you'd say, "I am really worried that the parcel won't arrive." This shows you're concerned about a future event and it sounds more natural in this scenario.

Remember:

"Does not arrive" = General or habitual action. "Won't arrive" = Specific concern about the future.

gotube
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James
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  • I am really worried that those parcels don't ever arrive on time. [general, present simple]
  • I am really worried that the parcel didn't arrive [yesterday or a point in time is meant].
  • I am really worried that the parcel has not arrived. [past tense, unspecific as to when].
  • I am really worried that the parcel won't arrive. [refers to a future time]

For French speakers, it is important to remember that the present simple is a generality. And that present perfect signals time that is unspecific in the past and that simple past is for finished actions in general. It's tough because French has no present perfect.

  • I speak Chinese but don't when I go to Singapore. [general]
  • I speak Chinese but haven't spoken it in ages. [in ages, recently, frequently and other time adverbs]
  • I speak Chinese but didn't [speak it] this time in Singapore.[the trip is over.]
Lambie
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