By Present continuous, Present simple

Greetings,I have a pretty big favour to ask.I've been struggling with this topic for quite awhile now.It goes without saying that my English "leaves something to be desired".Having in mind the subtle differences that occur from using particular tenses, I have often wondered how the...

The script writer is not going to have someone who lived long ago speak modern English. The character has to speak the way they spoke during those times. (English did not always use the present continuous the way it is used today.)This is just another example of how you can't learn modern...

Hi there,Here's what the queen says to one of her servants in the movie "The Fountain"The servant approaches her, knees before her, and she asks (seeing him crying)Why do you cry?My question is: why on earth does she say it in the present simple instead of (a more appropriate in my...

Hi She is so annoying! She always leaves her dirty dishes in the sink. I think she actually expects me to do them for her. You can use the present simple here. Using the present continuous conveys a feeling of annoyance.She always leaves her dirty dishes in the sink - habit.She is always leaving...

My tips:Look at the photoalbum: http://picasaweb.google.com/Sean.Pigg/MimsAndSeanSHouseWith an elementary/pre-intermediate student these pictures could be used to teach:1. The vocabulary of house and living.2. Present simple by asking: What do they usually do in this room/ place? (interrogative,...

Hey there,Guys, you know what? I've been studying English for so many years, I've read so many grammar books, I've been consulting lots of smaller and bigger issues concerning grammar... and still (sic) there are things that drive me crazy :( Take a look at this one:1. the present...

Hi there,Here are two sentences taken from a book called "Success" (Pre-Int. level), a coursebook for teenagers.1. These days, children and teenagers read lots of books by authors like Meg Rosoff, JK Rowling and Philip Pullman.2. These days, more young people are using libraries.I was...

Both are acceptable. Just because the book says "mainly" doesn't mean that no other tense is possible.CJ

Do we use these days with the present continuous tense or the present simple tense?My textbook says that these days is mainly used with the former, but I've come across sentences with these days and the present simple..."My sister _____ the piano a lot these days" (plays) or (is...