In the previous video, we learn when to use perfect tenses in relation to simple tenses. Perfect tenses are useful to indicate the chronological order of events.In this video, we discuss the relationship between simple and progressive tenses. The key distinction lies in the fact that while simple tenses provide a straightforward report of an action, progressive tenses introduce the element of continuity, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the action.
In academic writing, such as TOEFL essays, simple tenses are often more appropriate as they convey formality and authority. In contrast, progressive tenses convey a sense of immediacy or informality. However, there are times when one must use progressive tenses. In this video, we will learn how to correctly use both simple and progressive tenses.
Simple tenses
The simple present tense is utilized to depict habitual actions, routines, or generally true facts. In contrast, the simple future is employed for making predictions about the future or reporting spontaneous decisions. Meanwhile, the simple past tense is used to narrate events that have already occurred and are no longer ongoing. A useful approach to understanding these three simple tenses is to compare and contrast the simple past and future with the simple present.
Simple present
Simple present describes permanent situations, habits, routines, facts, and truths. It's also used for scheduled events and future events that are already certain. these are examples that require the simple present
I drink coffee every morning. (Habit)
My name is Nanhee Byrnes (fact)
The Earth moves around the sun. (truth)
My doctor's appointment is next Tuesday at 10:00 am. (Scheduled future event)
My flight departs tomorrow at noon. (Scheduled future event)
Things to remember:
Use the simple present, not simple future, for scheduled future events.
Don't use the simple present for events that are happening now. Use simple progressive instead
Simple Present vs simple future
While the simple present is used for scheduled future events, the simple future is used for spontaneous decisions about future actions. Also, the simple future is used to make predictions about the future based on present evidence.
I will go to the movie tonight (spontaneous decisions about future actions)
It will rain later; I can see dark clouds. (predictions about the future)
Do not use the simple future for pre-planned events that will happen in the future. This sentence is incorrect:
(incorrect) My flight will depart tomorrow at noon
"will" is unnecessary when the future is already implied with "tomorrow." The sentence is redundant and awkward. For pre-planned events that will happen in the future, we need to use the simple present as follows:
(correct) My flight departs tomorrow at noon
Simple present vs simple past
While simple represent is used to talk about general, true facts, the simple past is used to talk about a past event that is finished and so is no longer true. for example,
"I am a teacher" refers to your current status or occupation.
"I was a teacher" refers to a past status or occupation that is no longer true.
The simple past tense is also employed to discuss an event that occurred at a specific time in the past and is now completed. It doesn't have a connection to the present. For example:
I ate lunch yesterday. (finished)
The dinosaurs lived millions of years ago. (no connection to the present)
To talk about routines or habits in the past, which are no longer true in the present, use ‘used to’ or ‘would.’
I used to play tennis. (not any more)
When I had time, I would play tennis. (not any more)
Progressive tenses
For continuity
Progressive tenses emphasize continuity or duration during a specific time period. Here are example sentences:
I was harvesting potatoes yesterday.
I am harvesting potatoes right now.
I will be harvesting potatoes this time next week.
To highlight continuation, the word 'still' is used:
I was still suffering from the cold yesterday.
I am still suffering from the cold today.
I will still be suffering from the cold tomorrow."
For the background of simple tenses
The progressive tense is employed to convey continuity and can serve as the backdrop for the simple tense. In instances where both simple and progressive tenses coexist in a sentence. For example,
You can interrupt me anytime while I am talking. (present simple with present progressive)
They were waiting for the bus when the accident happened.
They will be waiting for the bus when the accident happens .
No progressive tense for non-action verbs
Only action verbs can be expressed by progressive tense.The popular slogan for McDonald’s, “I’m Lovin’ It,” is a grammatically incorrect sentence because love is a verb that cannot be made into a progressive form. These are non-action verbs:
Perception verbs: feel, hear, see, smell, taste
Possession verbs: have, cost, need, owe, own
Mental states verbs: believe, think, imagine, know, understand, want, look, seem, love, hate
For non-action verbs you need to use simple tenses.
(Incorrect) I am knowing the answer.
(Correct) I know the answer.
(Incorrect) I am having grandparents.
(Correct) I have grandparents.
When these verbs are used in a progressive form, they mean something different from the usual meaning. Compare the following sentences.
This coat feels nice and warm. (your perception of the coat's qualities)
John's feeling much better now (his health is improving)
She has three dogs and a cat. (possession)
She's having a baby. (delivering)
I can see Anthony in the garden.
I am seeing Anthony. (dating)
Simple present vs present progressive
While the simple present is used for general facts or routines, the present progressive tense is used to talk about actions happening right now. for example
He's cooking dinner.
The birds are singing.
Now, here's a surprise: the present progressive isn't just for what's happening right this second. It can also talk about things happening in the near future, just like the simple present.
The train is leaving soon.
We're having a staff meeting next Monday.
Although both tenses can express present and future actions, their meanings are subtly different. The simple present conveys permanence, while the present progressive suggests temporariness. for example,
Stock prices rise (general trend or fact about stock prices.)
Stock prices are rising (specific increase happening presently and temporarily)
Similarly, the following examples illustrate the difference in meaning:
He lives in Seoul (This indicates his permanent residence.)
He is living in Seoul (This suggests his stay is temporary, perhaps implying he'll move elsewhere soon.)
As you can see with these examples, the present progressive doesn't always mean an action is happening right this second. For example, saying "I am reading Tom Sawyer" doesn't necessarily mean you're reading the book at the exact moment you speak. It can also mean you're currently involved in reading the book, even if you're not actively reading it at that precise moment.
Grammar mistakes with simple and progressive present
Generally, the choice between the simple present and present progressive tenses depends on the focus of the sentence. However, sometimes, certain time-indicating words require one tense over the other. For instance, words like "usually," "always," "often," "every day," and "never" signal habitual or routine actions, which require the simple present tense. Conversely, words like "now," "at the moment," and "right now" indicate ongoingness, requiring the present progressive tense. Misusing these tenses can lead to errors. For example,
I drink coffee right now. (incorrect)
I drink coffee every morning. (correct)
I am drinking coffee every morning. (incorrect)
I am drinking coffee right now. (correct)
He is never writing to me although he is calling me from time to time.(Incorrect)
He never writes to me although he calls me from time to time. (Correct)
"Never" and "from time to time" both indicate ongoing habits, and the simple present tense is used for habitual actions.
Now you should try these by yourself. What's wrong with these sentences?
He is writing for a living. (Incorrect)
I eat right now. (Incorrect)
He is usually playing the drums, but he plays bass guitar tonight. (Incorrect)
These are the correct answers:
He writes for a living. (Simple present for permanent situations)
I am eating right now. (Present progressive for ongoing actions)
He usually plays the drums, but he's playing bass guitar tonight. (Simple present for habits, present progressive for temporary events)
"Usually" indicates a habit, requiring the simple present tense, while "tonight" specifies a current action, necessitating the present progressive tense..