GENERAL TRUTH — FACT OBSERVATION — AT THE MOMENT

The simple present tense is used to state fact, how things The present progressive tense is used to state an
exist or behave (always/ permanently). Few if any adverbs observation such as an action happening at the moment or
are used. a temporary change from the usual.

The earth turns 360º every day. (fact) The earth is turning right now as we speak. (observation)
The moon orbits the earth. (permanent) The earth is changing due to global warming. (a change
from the usual)

The oceans are deep and cold. The oceans are warming. (a change from the usual)
The oceans move in circular currents. The currents are moving farther north.

The land moves on plates. The plates are constantly moving.

Earthquakes occur often. Earthquakes are occurring more frequently.

Antartica is covered with ice. The polar ice is melting fast.

The South Pole has strong winds. Polar bears are struggling to live.

Wind blows across the land. The wind is blowing umbrellas backwards.
Wind comes from differences in air pressure. The wind is coming from the north.

Rain gives water to life. This rain is giving us the water we need.
Rain falls in the winter. Rain is falling on my head. (observation)

Plants grow in soil. My plants are growing well. (observation)

Plants give us oxygen. One plant is getting taller.

People depend on earth's resources. These people are running for good health. (observation)
People exercise for good health. (in general) Some people are wearing silly costumes. (observation)

Time passes quickly. Time is passing slowly.

Daylight Savings time begins in spring. Daylight Savings Time is ending this weekend.

PRESENT – ADVERBS PRESENT PROGRESSIVE – ADVERBS

Present tense uses more permanent time words Present progressive uses more temporary, happening-
(adverbs). now time words (adverbs).

We plant tomatoes in May in general. We are planting tomatoes today.

As a rule, we put the plants in four-inch holes in the
ground.
We normally water the garden every other day.
We usually pick the tomatoes first.
Error and Solution
ERROR
*The wind is blowing during the winter.
*The earth is spinning faster than Mars.
We are putting the tomato plants in the ground now.
We are watering the garden currently.
We are picking the tomatoes this week.
SOLUTION
The wind blows during the winter.
( The progressive verb is not used with during.)
The earth spins faster than Mars.
(The progressive verb is not used for a permanent state.)

AUXILIARY VERB SUBJECT AUXILIARY VERB MAIN VERB ADVERB

STATEMENT
He (She) plants in the spring.
They (I, We, You) plant in the spring.
QUESTION
Does he (she) plant in the spring?
Do they (I, we, you) plant in the spring?

NEGATIVE
He (She) doesn't plant in the spring.
They (I, We, You) don't plant in the spring.
Practice
Fact vs. Observation
Is it a general truth (fact) or an observation (observation at the moment)?
Select the response from the list that best completes the sentence.

1. rises/ is rising
Moon The sun – every morning.
The sun – over the mountains now.
Feedback 1 - rises (general truth); is rising (observation at the moment)

2. lights up /is lighting up

Watch Look! The moon –the face of my watch.
The moon – the night sky .
Feedback 2 - is lighting up (observation at the moment); lights up (general truth)

3. die /are dying

Watch Plants – in my garden. I'm watering them now.
Plants – without water.
Feedback 3 - are dying (observation at the moment); die (general truth)

4. – grow - are growing

kids Children – a little each year.
Their children – fat because of their junk-food diets.
Feedback 4 - grow (general truth); are growing (observation at the moment)

5. blow are blowing

kids Hurricane winds – from 90 to 150 miles per hour.
Hurricane winds – in the gulf today.
Feedback 5 - blow (general truth); are blowing (observation at the moment)

6. eat - are eating

kids Foxes –chickens.
Foxes – the chickens in my yard!
Feedback 6 - eat (general truth); are eating (observation at the moment)

7. melts – Is melting
kids Polar ice – melts is melting each summer.
Polar ice – rapidly this year.
Feedback 7 - melts (general truth); is melting (observation at the moment)

8. becomes is becoming
kids The weather – warm in the summertime.
The weather –warmer this week.
Feedback 8 - becomes (general truth); is becoming (observation at the moment)