Present Simple and Present Continuous

 5. Comparison of the uses of the simple present and present continuous

As pointed out in Chapter 1, the Simple Present tense may be used for stating general truths, and for referring to actions which occur at regular intervals. In the following examples, the verbs in the Simple Present tense are underlined.
e.g. Nova Scotia is a Canadian province. Geese fly south every winter.

In contrast, the Present Continuous tense is usually used to refer to ongoing actions happening at the time of speaking or writing. In the following examples, the verbs in the Present Continuous tense are underlined.

e.g. Right now, I am visiting the province of Nova Scotia.
      At the moment, a flock of geese is flying overhead.

9. For each of the following sentences, determine whether the Simple Present tense or the Present Continuous tense is more appropriate, and fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb given in brackets.

For example:
      Right now, he ________ ridiculous. (to be)
      Right now, he is being ridiculous.

      She ______ to Sydney every weekend. (to drive)
      She drives to Sydney every weekend.