I'm preparing an answer vs I prepare an answer

[BigGS]

Hi,
Thank you for the opportunity I have to get help from this forum. Please can you advise me about the correct syntax in case I try to say that
although I have started to prepare an answer (to an email) it will take some time and I expect to complete it in a couple of days?

Is it "I'm preparing an answer to your email... " or "I prepare an answer to your email ... " ???

Thank you in advance

 

[Tarheel]

Say:

I'm preparing an answer to your email.

 

[emsr2d2]

I wouldn't mention the fact that you're in the process of preparing a response at all. If you need to send a holding reply, just say "I'll reply to your email in a couple of days".