golden7700
04-26-2009, 05:40 PM
We use the Present Simple
for regular actions or events
I watch TV most evenings.
facts
The sun rises in the east
facts know about the future
The plane leaves at 5.00 in the morning.
thoughts and feelings about the time of speaking
I don't understand.
We use the Present Continuous
at the time of speaking ('now')
I'm watching a movie on TV.
things which are true at the moment but not always
I'm looking for a new job.
present plans for the future
I'm taking my husband to New York for his birthday.
Look at these sentences:
<LI class=style52>I usually don't drink coffee but I'm having one this morning because there is nothing else.
<LI class=style52>I often drive to work but I'm taking the train this morning because my car is in for repair.
<LI class=style52>I'm thinking about dying my hair blonde but I don't think my wife will be very happy about it.
My parents live in New York but I'm just visiting.
Notice
how in all these examples we use the present continuous to talk about events which are temporary/limited in time and the present simple to talk about events which are habits/permanent.
for regular actions or events
I watch TV most evenings.
facts
The sun rises in the east
facts know about the future
The plane leaves at 5.00 in the morning.
thoughts and feelings about the time of speaking
I don't understand.
We use the Present Continuous
at the time of speaking ('now')
I'm watching a movie on TV.
things which are true at the moment but not always
I'm looking for a new job.
present plans for the future
I'm taking my husband to New York for his birthday.
Look at these sentences:
<LI class=style52>I usually don't drink coffee but I'm having one this morning because there is nothing else.
<LI class=style52>I often drive to work but I'm taking the train this morning because my car is in for repair.
<LI class=style52>I'm thinking about dying my hair blonde but I don't think my wife will be very happy about it.
My parents live in New York but I'm just visiting.
Notice
how in all these examples we use the present continuous to talk about events which are temporary/limited in time and the present simple to talk about events which are habits/permanent.