A Compare:
We use the continuous for things happening at or around the time of speaking. The action is not complete.
- • The water is boiling. Be careful.
- • Listen to those people. What language are they speaking?
- • I'm getting hungry. Let's go and eat.
We use the simple for things in general or things that happen repeatedly.
- • Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
- • Excuse me, do you speak English?
- • I always get hungry in the afternoon.
Temporary vs. Permanent:
• Temporary: I'm living with some friends until I find a place of my own.
• Permanent: My parents live in London. They have lived there all their lives.
B I always do and I'm always doing
I always do something = I do it every time.
• I always go to work by car. (not I'm always going)
I'm always doing something = I do it too often or more often than normal.
• I've lost my keys again. I'm always losing them.
(= I lose them too often, or more often than normal)
3.1 Are the underlined verbs OK?
Correct them where necessary. Type "OK" if the sentence is correct.
1. Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
2. How often are you going to the cinema?
3. Ben tries to find a job, but he hasn't had any luck yet.
4. Martina is phoning her mother every day.
6. Can you hear those people? What do they talk about?
9. I must go now. It gets late.
10. 'Come on! It's time to leave.' 'OK, I come.'