Would you please tell me if there is any difference in meaning between I don't hear you clearly and I'm not hearing you clearly in the context below?
Would you please speak into the phone as I don't hear you clearly.
Would you please speak into the phone as I'm not hearing you clearly.
Are both perfectly natural there? If so, is there any difference in meaning?
Best Answer
"I don't hear you clearly" seems wrong in this context.
'Don't' normally refers to what never happens, or what should never happen - for example, "I don't eat meat", or "I don't speak Spanish".
When something may be possible, but is not currently possible for some reason, we would normally say "I can't" (a contraction of 'I cannot').
So, saying "I can't hear you clearly" suggests that you are trying to hear but, for some reason, you are unable to.
Your alternative of "I'm not hearing you clearly" is fine, as the present continuous tense indicates this is a current issue.