In some situations, I don’t understand which tense is better to use. Could you please explain to me?
In some situations, I don’t understand which tense is better to use Present Simple or Present Continuous. For example, we use Pr Continuous for temporary situations like: He is living with his parents (it's temporarily, while he is searching for his own place). Which of these tenses is better to use when I'm talking about the life during the quarantine? For example: What are you doing during the quarantine? And which of this tenses is better to use when I'm telling someone what book I read this month. For example: What book are you reading? All these situations are temporary. Is it better to use Pr Continuous in such situations?
Search from various English teachers...
Corrections · 3
0
Present simple is used to describe habits or things that repeat every day or all the time. For instance, "I eat my breakfast at 8:30 AM, then I brush my teeth at 9 AM." This is really equivalent to saying: "My daily habit is that every day, I eat breakfast 8:30 AM, and every day, I always brush my teeth at 9 AM." You do not have to be brushing your teeth right now, but you are saying that generally, this is what you do every day, at the same time.
Similarly, if I say "I like polyglot women", it is a general statement. I might not be thinking about a particular woman right now, but in general, I tend to find women who speak more languages more attractive (based on past experience and my current preferences).
Present continuous is always about something that is happening right now, that you are in the middle of doing, in the process of doing. "I am fixing your car" = "I am fixing your car right now, in this moment."
If you are talking about routines during the quarantine, you can use present simple. "Every morning, I work from home, every afternoon, I exercise at home because the gym is closed." If you are talking about a particular action right now, though, you can say: "I am exercising at home right now, as we speak via italki messages."
P.S. - I sent you a friend request so that we can message each other. If you want, I can give you my Whatsapp, so that you can practice speaking English. I am a native speaker from the United States because I grew up here :)
0
Jonathan, thank you very much for your help!
0
Yes, you are correct. It is better to use Present Continuous because these situations are temporary. So when talking about life under quarantine, like what you are doing and what book you are reading, Pr Continuous is better.
Want to progress faster?
Join this learning community and try out free exercises!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!
Start Learning Today
