The Present Simple & the Present Continuous (1)
Study the explanations and compare the examples:
Present Continuous (I am doing)
Use the continuous for something that is happening at or around the time of speaking. The action is not completed.
• The water is boiling.
• What language are they speaking?
• It isn't raining now.
• What are you doing?
• I'm going to bed. Goodnight!
• Maria's learning English.
Use the continuous for temporary situations.
• I'm living with a friend until I find a place of my own.
You're working hard today!
Present simple (I do)
Use the simple for things in general or things that happen repeatedly.
• Water boils at 100°C.
• Do you speak English?
• It doesn't rain much in summer.
• What do you usually do at the weekend?
• What do you do? What's your job?
• I always go to bed before midnight.
• Most people learn to swim when they are children.
Use the simple for permanent situations.
• My parents live in London.
John works hard every day.
I always do and I'm always doing.
Usually, we say “I always do something” to mean that there are never any exceptions.
• I always go to work on the train.
You can also say “I'm always doing something”, but the meaning is completely different.
• I'm always losing my keys. (meaning that I do this too often)
You're always +ing … means that you do something more often than you should., or more often than the speaker considers normal or reasonable.
• You're always watching television. You should do something more active.
• John is never satisfied. He's always complaining about something.