I'm having a problem?

my opinion.
I am having a problem indicates immediacy. I'm having it right at this very moment

I have a problem is to me at least a long term matter. For example I have a problem with taxes. I have a problem with ignorant schlubs. I have a problem with parents who do not discipline their children. I have a problem with drivers who ignore traffic signals.


I am (I'm) having a problem indicates a current matter as said by dadpad. I'm having a problem putting this bicycle together. I'm having a problem assembling this "easy to assemble" piece of pressed cardboard furniture from Ikea. I'm having a problem deciding what to wear today.

So, have for all the time and am having for what will hopefully be just a temporary matter which I am currently involved in.

Thank you, that makes sense.

But in that case, is it wrong to say, in colloquial English, when you find out that you forgot your wallet at home, is it wrong to say all of a sudden:

"I have a problem! I forgot my wallet at home."

Is it necessary to say I am having a problem because it is happening right now?

I am having a problem with my grammar...errrr, I have a problem with my grammar.

"I am having" sounds like the person is referring to lately.

"I have a problem" sounds like the person is used to it by now.

I would say "Oh bugger,I've left my wallet at home" if I were talking to myself.
If in a restaurant,speaking to the waiter,then,"I have a problem.I've left my wallet at home"

I think your line should read "I have a problem.I have forgotten my wallet.It is at home",and would hope that I had a bankers card in my pocket to avoid any more embarresment

I think what barrythemod said makes much sense.

It's a wonderful board in a wonderful forum.
I love this site!

Re: I'm having a problem?


Is english grammar very different from Korean?

Re: I'm having a problem?


There is huge difference!
SVO vs SOV!

What does svo and sov mean?

I think "I'm having..." means I should solve it right now.
"I have ..."means it happens for a long time, I should solve it, but not in hurry?
Am I right?

Thank you.

if so pls tell me when to use "i have" instead of "i'm having"....just look this ex: i'v a horse.....i'm having a horse.....the former refer the possession while the latter means "eating a horse"....isn't it.........so can u say....i'm having a horse (say when u r talking abt a horse) to refer refer something temporary.......

Ryunin wrote:

Thank you, that makes sense.

But in that case, is it wrong to say, in colloquial English, when you find out that you forgot your wallet at home, is it wrong to say all of a sudden:

"I have a problem! I forgot my wallet at home."

Is it necessary to say I am having a problem because it is happening right now?

+++++++++++++++++

No, it's not necessary, though it's possible. Why the present simple then? At least two possibilities, maybe more. The present simple is, one, more formal and, two, it also connotes that this is more serious in nature. A third possibility it that this 'problem' has just been discovered so it isn't really a 'continuing' type problem.

In a potentially sticky situation like this [say you're at a restaurant], the first two considerations, above, are things that you'd want to express.

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