TULISAN 4
Please explain the difference between simple present tense and present progressive tense. Please explain by using example. (explain at least 150 words)
The simple present tense is the one which we use when an action is happening right now, or when it happens regularly (or unceasingly, which is why it’s sometimes called present indefinite). The simple present tense is formed by using the root form or by adding -s or -es to the end, depending on the person.
The present progressive tense is formed by combining the verb "to be" with the present participle. (The present participle is merely the "-ing" form of a verb.)
We use the simple present tense:
1. For facts
· Whales live in the ocean.
· Aconcagua is the highest mountain in Latin America.
· The flight from Chile to Australia is thirteen hours.
2. For repeated or regular actions
· Flights to Buenos Aires leave every hour.
· I eat breakfast at the table.
· We work every day of the week.
3. For habits
· I brush my teeth three times a day.
· He only drinks Martinis.
· We celebrate Christmas on the twenty-fifth of December.
4. For things that are generally true in the present time period:
· Boca Juniors is the best team in Argentina at the moment.
· She is my girlfriend.
· We study English.
We use the present progressive tense:
1. When somebody is doing something at this moment.
· Sarah is changing her clothes right now.
· Her boyfriend is waiting for her.
· We are learning the progressive tense in English.
2. When something is happening at this moment. When the action has started but hasn't finished.
· It is snowing at the moment.
· The economy is growing at an exponential rate.
· The children are sleeping, so please be quiet.
3. To talk about something that is happening around the time of speaking but not necessarily at that exact moment.
· Alfredo is studying a lot for his exam.
· I'm reading a great book. (not necessary right at this moment)
· We are planning a trip to Jamaica.