The use of present simple tense VS present continuous tense in English

Hello guys! Today we deal with a topic that is quite important in the use of two tenses very used in English. In one hand, there is no doubt that the present tense is used for the present itself, as its name indicates. In the another hand, the present continuous tense is used to express an action that you are performing in a exact moment. But, how is actually at the moment of the truth? I do not know if you have realised while maintaning a conversation, but, do you use present tense in order to say what are you actually doing at that moment? Take a look to this dialogue:

Two old friends meet again after a long time:

Ben says: - Hey Sally! What a long time it's been! How are you? What about your life?

Sally says: - Hi Ben! I'm so happy to see you again! Well, I married, I had four children and now I work at University of Surrey as a professor. What about you?

Ben says: - Well, nothing interesting, actually. I live here. This is my business and I work as a waiter.

*You can listen to the dialogue here: 

Here we see that the present tense has been employed in order to express actions that are present time. However, although these sentences have been spoken during present time, the tense does not fit here due to the fact that it is not an specific action of that exact time. It is an action that have been performed some time before, in that time, and it will be also performed in future. Note that the present tense is performed in order to say things that are kind of habits or routines. For example: I eat chocolate, I dance ballet, I study science.

Nevertheless, in the use of present continuous, although the way it look could seem that it was made with a different purpose: say something that we use to do. We need to take into account that if we want to say something that you are doing at that exact moment, you have to use. Take a look to this dialogue.

Two friends talking by phone:

John says: - Hi, who is there?

Rick says: - It's me, John, What's up?

John says: -Rick, I call you because I'm studying Maths and there's is a problem I don't get to solve. Maybe you get it.

Rick says: - I'm sorry, John, but I'm a mess at Maths and . That's why I study Humanistics. Actually, right now I'm studying Latin.

John says: -Oh Ok, man, I didn't think about it! Good luck with it and sorry for bothering you. Thanks!


*You can listen to the dialogue here: 

So, now you know in which contexts you need to use present continuous tense in contrast to present tense, for example: I am eating chocolate right now. I am studying for the exam. That is all. When you use these two tenses, remember all these, and do not get confused.

I hope you get it and remember: questions, doubts, comments, do not be shy! :)

SEE YOU SOON!