EXPRESSING THE PRESENT
PRESENT SIMPLE
A.THE GENERAL PRESENT
 for general truths (the degree of generality may
vary considerably) :
e.g.: When the temperature goes below zero
water freezes.
The sun rises early in summer.
Elephants live in herds.They travel
about 60 kms per day.
In England it doesn’t snow much,but it
rains a lot.
 for habitual actions:
e.g.: My brother doesn’t smoke;he doesn’t
drink either.
I go to church on Sundays.
His parents live in the country;he visits
them twice or three times a year.
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
B.THE REAL PRESENT
for an action in progress (just) now/at this (very)
moment :
e.g.: “Why aren’t you writing?”
“I’m listening…It seems that it’s
still raining.
“Is she expecting someone (to
come)?”
“No,she’s going to the concert.”
for an action happening about this time and lasting
for a limited period of time :
e.g.: Alice is studying French this year.
I’m reading a book on psycology
at present (not at this very
moment).
 Mrs.Coconut usually comes to work by train but this week she is coming in her neighbours’car.

The time adverbs : always,never,often,every week etc.,are used for neutral statements with the Present Simple,while with
thePresent Continuous they express annoyance(with an action too frequently repeated).

e.g.: You are always late.(neutral statements) e.g.: You are always being late.(reproach)
My daughter goes out every week-end. My daughter is going out every
(neutral) week-end.(disapproval)
Technology is meant to save us time .However, Technology is supposed to be saving
we work harder and faster than twenty years ago. us time;however we’re working
harder and faster all the time.

 The quality of the Present Simple is PERMANENCE, that of the Present Continuous is IMPERMANENCE.This
is why there are verbs-usually associated with permanence-that cannot be used in the Continuous Aspect when
used with their proper meaning : the verbs of EXISTENCE and POSSESION , the verbs of the SENSES ( when
used intransitvely); the verbs of FEELING , THINKING and VOLITION, the MODALS, and IMPERSONAL
VERBS (to seem, to appear).
FUTURE WITHOUT INTENTION (stated) - compare - FUTURE WITH INTENTION

Personal Opinion Plan (arangements have been made) Certain Future

They’ll probably get married. They’re going to got married. They’re getting married next month.

He’ll have a new house built. He’s going to have his house painted. He’s having his car fixed on Wednesday.

It will rain in autumn (as usual). It’s going to rain (it looks like raining;
the sky is overcast).

I won’t make any plans in this case; I’m not going to make any further plans; come
come what may. what may! (I had enough of plans that failed)

Present Intention ( not started) Spontaneous Decision Premeditated Intention

It will not happen again! It’s not going to happen again!

(I know it’s not true.) I’ll be writing It’s not true! I will write an article about it. I know it’s not true. I’m just going to
an article on the whole matter. write an article on the whole matter.
.