Choosing between the present simple and present continuous tenses in a sentence can be quite perplexing. However, we can navigate this by following the rules below for using the present continuous tense.
1. When the action is in progress
These actions can happen ‘now’ or ‘around now’. (such as these days, weeks, or months).
- I can’t talk now. I am brushing my teeth.
- I finished the Lord of the Rings and now I am reading a new book.
- He is studying a lot this week.
- I am not feeling very well these days.
2. When the action is temporary
- I am going to work by bus this week because my car is at the garage.
- I am living with my cousins until I find a flat.
- I’m happy because my business is expanding very quickly.
- What am I doing here? Well I needed a change and I wanted to see the world.
3. When the situations are changing or developing
- The climate is changing very quickly.
- More and more people are trying to eat more healthily nowadays.
- Your English is improving.
- Fortunately, it seems that now some governments are beginning to understand the problem.
4. Future arrangements
- I am meeting John this evening. Do you want to come?
- We are leaving tomorrow at 7.
Note
Here are some time expressions express now or around now:
now,at the moment,at present,today,these days,this week, etc.
References