Present Tense – Understanding ‘Is Doing’ vs ‘Does’

present-continuouspresent-tense

Could you please explain what is the difference between the followings and when one of them should be used instead of the another?

My brother is doing a degree at university so I don't see him very
often, unfortunately.

My brother does a degree at university so I don't see him very
often, unfortunately.

Best Answer

I would like to add that "my brother is getting a degree" is a temporary situation, usually lasting a few years and that is why the present continuous is required. The present simple is used for permanent situations.