Simple vs continuous
Now vs generally, and verbs that resist -ing.
The rules
- Happening right now → present continuous: "am talking".
- Habit = simple ("drinks"); temporary exception = continuous ("is drinking").
- State verbs (know, believe, want, need) almost never take the continuous.
- Temporary situations use the continuous: "is staying (for now)".
- Changing situations use the continuous: "are getting longer".
- "Is being" + adjective = temporary behaviour, different from her usual character.
Examples
- Quiet please, I am talking on the phone.
- She drinks coffee every morning, but today she is drinking tea.
- I know the answer.
- He is staying with his cousins until his flat is renovated.
- The days are getting longer.
- Her rudeness is unusual, temporary behaviour.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.Quiet please, I _____ on the phone.
2.She _____ coffee every morning, but today she _____ tea.
3.Which sentence is correct?
4.He _____ with his cousins until his flat is renovated.
5."She is being very rude today." What does this imply?