The present progressive is formed by using the verb be and adding -ing to the main verb. For example: I am writing, you are reading, he is sleeping, etc. The present progressive is used to express:
- Actions that are happening right now, at the moment of speaking. For example: She is studying for her exam. They are watching a movie.
- Actions that are temporary, not permanent, and are going on for a limited period of time. For example: He is working as a waiter this summer. She is living with her parents until she finds a new apartment.
- Actions that are planned or arranged for the near future. For example: We are leaving tomorrow. They are meeting us at the airport.
The simple present is formed by using the base form of the verb, and adding -s or -es to the third person singular. For example: I write, you read, he sleeps, etc. The simple present is used to express:
- Facts, general truths, or permanent situations. For example: Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius. The Earth revolves around the sun. She works in a bank.
- Habits, routines, or frequently repeated actions. For example: I get up at 7 every morning. He plays tennis every weekend. She never drinks coffee.
- Actions that occur in a sequence or as part of a narrative. For example: First he brushes his teeth, then he takes a shower. She opens the door, sees a stranger, and screams.
- Actions that are scheduled or fixed by a timetable or a program. For example: The train leaves at 10 o’clock. The movie starts at 8 pm. The shop closes at 6 pm.
The present progressive and the simple present can be distinguished by the use of signal words, which indicate the time or frequency of the action. Some common signal words for the present progressive are: now, right now, at the moment, today, this week, this month, etc. Some common signal words for the simple present are: always, often, usually, sometimes, never, every day, every week, every month, etc.
To summarize, the present progressive and the simple present are two different ways of expressing the present time in English. The present progressive emphasizes the ongoing or temporary nature of the action, while the simple present emphasizes the factual, habitual, or scheduled nature of the action.
