It sounds a bit stange for me: 'Are you having...'

[Ecaterina]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #61 "Chit Chat: In the supermarket", question 1

Employee: Are you ......... problems, madam?

(a) feeling
(b) trying
(c) having
(d) knowing

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #61 "Chit Chat: In the supermarket", answer 1

Employee: Are you having problems, madam?

Correct answer: (c) having
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it sounds a bit stange for me: 'Are you having...', but the other verbs do not fit, right?

[Gray]

1) Are you having any problems, ma'am?

I, too, think that it sounds awkward as I used to hear --

2) Do you have any problem, ma'am?

Which is correct and which sounds good?
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First lesson - English, not english. I, not i. ~A student of English

[AmYankee]

Hi Gray

Assuming that the context is that a store employee has noticed a woman who appears to be experiencing difficulties doing or finding something, then the use of "are you having" is quite appropriate. Your suggestion "Do you have any problem" would not be natural in that context.

The word that seems quite odd to me is the use of "madam". I would not expect that word to be used in such a sentence on the American side of the pond. Ma'am would sound much more natural to me.

All the best,
Amy

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ESL teacher, translator, native speaker of American English