"are corresponding" vs "have been corresponding"

Question

"are corresponding" vs "have been corresponding"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Have been corresponding' is used to indicate a past action that started in the past and continues up to the present. 'Are corresponding' is used to indicate a current action happening at the moment. The choice between the two depends on whether you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of the correspondence or the current status of the correspondence.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024

This phrase is used to describe a current action of corresponding that is happening at the present moment. It emphasizes the current status of the correspondence.

Examples:

They are corresponding about the project details right now.
I am corresponding with the client to finalize the contract.
Are you corresponding with the supplier regarding the delivery?
We are corresponding with the authorities to get the necessary permits.
The teams are corresponding to coordinate the event logistics.

Alternatives:

are in correspondence
are exchanging messages
are communicating
are in contact
are in touch

This phrase is used to describe a continuous action of corresponding that started in the past and is still ongoing. It emphasizes the duration of the correspondence.

Examples:

I have been corresponding with him for over a year now.
They have been corresponding via email since they met at the conference.
She has been corresponding with her pen pal for many years.

Alternatives:

have corresponded
have exchanged emails
have been in touch
have communicated regularly
have kept in contact

Answer 1

are corresponding

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a current action happening at the moment.

Answer 2

have been corresponding

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a past action that started in the past and continues up to the present.