One use of the present continuous is to speak about longer actions that are in progress; however, we might not be doing them at this exact second.
Longer Actions in Progress Now

Examples: (All of these sentences can be said while sitting in a cafe with a friend.)

  • I am studying to become a doctor.
  • I am not studying to become a dentist.
  • I am reading the book Tom Sawyer.
  • I am not reading any books right now.
  • Are you working on any special projects at work?
  • Aren't you teaching at the university now?
Now look at the examples of present continuous highlighted in orange. In the example of "packing up", we can see that even though the speaker uses the phrasal verb "pack up"(verb + particle) the verb must still be conjugated (a common misconception with phrasal verbs).

If you read just the present continuous tenses, what do you think the speaker's present state is?

Present Simple-One use of the present simple is when we use Non-Continuous Verbs, or Static Verbs

Now (Non-Continuous Verbs)

Speakers sometimes use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is happening or is not happening now. This can only be done with Non-Continuous Verbs and certain Mixed Verbs.

Examples:
  • I am here now.
  • She is not here now.
  • He needs help right now.
  • He does not need help now.
  • He has his passport in his hand.
  • Do you have your passport with you?

Adverb Placement

The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as:
 
  • always
  • only
  • never
  • ever
  • still
  • just

Examples:

  • You only speak English.
  • Do you only speak English?
  • Example in song: he really wants

All I want is time


I don't know where I am going and I don't know where I've been
I've got life sitting on my shoulders and happiness within
I've got feelings of estrangement and strangely time that I can spare
I don't know if I'm alone in this or if I even care
I don't want to know what is next for me but I don't know what I want
Can someone look me in the eye tell me that I'm wrong
I'm doing a hundred miles an hour and I'm sitting on my porch
You can bet I've got an answer cause it seems the change is on


Because I'm going to be the one who's got everything he really wants
Cause all I want is time
And I'm going to smile when I am done cause I'll know I had a run
At this point in my life

You can talk about the future or dream about the past and
Someone will ask you what you're doing and how it went so fast
You can look all around you and see that time brings change
Or you can point at everyone and pass along the shame
I plan to leave a trail of highlights yeah with some to give away
And maybe we can do it all in each and every way
Try not to tune into those noises you hear from far behind
We're just listening to our hearts and packing up our minds

Because I'm going to be the one who's got, everything he really wants
Cause all I want is time
And I'm going to smile when I am done cause I'll know it had begun
At this point in my life

Musical Break

I haven't seen a cause to worry so I ain't looking for a cure
You can say I am a liar and never take my word
If there is one last thing to do then it better be done soon
I've been trying to keep ideas, but I never have the room
Cause I feel like I am winning and I'm willing to take a chance
I've got all my bases covered and I saw you steal a glance
So don't think I am oblivious to my ever changing mind
I've got all my things in check I'm just waiting to decide

Because I'm going to be the one who's got, everything he really wants
Cause all I want is time
And I'm going to smile when I am done cause I'll know I had a run
At this point in my life

 

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