正在 versus 在

[Thomill]

Hello,

I am working my way through the initial level of Rosetta Stone. I remain confused about the use of 正在 versus 在 which are both used quite often in the software. Is the former only to highlight that the action is occurring at the present time or is there some other connotation?

Thank you.

[Xuesheng123]

They are interchangeable when describing am action that is currently taking place.

Eg. 我正在吃早飯。 and 我在吃早飯呢。

[Sky Harbor]

我在吃早饭呢。

Is the 呢 here optional or mandatory? When my 老师 discussed 正在/在 in class, she didn't use 呢 with her example sentences which had only 在.

[daveyrobbo84]

How about if the sentence you want to use indicates an action that is occurring and a location? Are they still interchangeable?

For example, 我正在客厅里吃饭 or 我在客厅里吃饭

Thanks

[马盖云]

I think you need a separate 在· for the location phrase, ie: 我正在在客厅里吃饭

[skylee]

I think you need a separate 在· for the location phrase, ie: 我正在在客厅里吃饭

Why? I think one 在 is enough. I would just treat 正 as an emphasis.

[creamyhorror]

Is the 呢 here optional or mandatory?

Optional. For purposes of clarity, it shouldn't have been included in the comparison.

I think you need a separate 在· for the location phrase, ie: 我正在在客厅里吃饭

Nope, you don't (to confirm skylee's input). The 在 takes on the locating role.

In fact, 正 alone can play the role of meaning "currently occurring":

我正准备当教授 = I'm currently preparing to become a professor

This is more of an abbreviated style of speaking (and more used in writing) so you're better off sticking to 正在 generally.