present simple vs. present continuous

As a certain Austrian governance once said: “Let’s start at the very beginning. A very good place to start.” So today, we’re going to look at tenses, the present simple and present continuous to be precise.

 The present simple is used to talk about things in general. It implies that something happens all the time or repeatedly, or that something is true in general:

I usually go away at weekends.

The earth goes round the sun.
He is selfish.

The present continuous is used when referring to things happening at or around the time of speaking. The action is not complete.

I’m getting hungry. Let’s go and eat.

Let’s leave. It isn’t raining now.

 You also use the continuous for temporary situations:

I’m living with my parents until I find a place of my own.

You’re working hard today.
He’s being selfish.

Finally, it might be useful to point out the case of ‘I always do’ vs. ‘I’m always doing.’

‘To do something always’ means doing it every time.

I always go to work by car.

‘Always doing something’ is used when somebody does something very often, perhaps too often, or more often than normal:

I’m always losing things.

He’s always complaining.