Function

Function

1.    Here are the uses of the simple present and the present progressive tenses when we are referring to present time.

The Simple Present Tense	The Present Progressive Tense
a.     To describe repeated actions or habits.	a.     To talk about something which is in progress at the moment of speaking. It is raining right now.
b.    To talk about things that are always or generally true The sun sets in the west. It snows a lot in the winter here.	b.    To talk about something which is in progress around the present, but not exactly at the time of speaking Tony is looking for a new job these days.
c.     To describe a permanent situation or a condition with no definite start or finish but that is true now. They live in Panama city.	c.     To talk about situations which are developing or temporary Computers are becoming more and more important in our lives.
d.    With adverbs of frequency such as always, usually, often, sometimes, seldom/rarely, and never to say how often we do something. If the verb is be, we put the adverb after the verb. If the verb is not be, we put the adverb before the verb. They are seldom late. She often studies in the library.	d.    With adverbs such as always or constantly to express complaints or annoyance. He is always calling me late at night.
e.     With time expressions such as every day/week/year, in the morning/afternoon/evening, and or night. We can put these time expressions at the beginning or the end of a sentence. I go to the store once a week. On weekends, we have dinner at seven.	e.     With time expressions such as now, at the moment, at present, these days, nowadays, and today. We can put these time expressions at the beginning or the end of a sentence. I’m writing and e-mail message right now. These days, I’m using e-mail to keep in touch with my friends.

2.    We also use the simple present and the present progressive tenses to refer to future time.