It is a well known fact that habitual activities are expressed by the Present Simple.
I go to the movies once a month. (it is a very simple and clear example)
But I have come across tricky contexts where I am not sure what guidelines to use to make the right choice. Here are two examples taken from two grammar books.
1) … "I can't stand people who never stop apologizing all the time" – she told me. And besides I know he is deceiving poor Helen. He is seeing Betty Wills from the overseas department. And plenty of other interesting things are currently going on. For instance, every week we are experiencing more and more problems with theft. "
The book says that every week we are experiencing is correct. So, we have the Present Continuous here. Another text from a different book.
2) "I am having a great time here in England. My college term doesn't start until next month, so I am taking the opportunity to earn some money. I am staying with my English friend Robbie. His parents own a software business. In the evenings I drive into London with Robbie to go clubbing. I am making a lot of new friends. On weekdays I help Robbie's dad."
The book says that In the evenings I drive and On weekdays I help Robbie's are correct.
My question is: Why is it correct to use the Present Continuous in the first example and the Present Simple in the second? To me they have a lot in common. They happen within a limited period of time. It seems to me that the authors of the first book don't see "experiencing" as a habitual action while the authors of the second book see drive and help as habitual actions.
Would it be possible to use the Present Simple in the first example and the Present Continuous in the second and why not if not?
Best Answer
First, it is perfectly fine to say
You have specified a time period (every week) so present simple works. If you lost that, you would have to use present continuous to make your meaning clear:
As for the other one,
would be the right way to say that. You could also say
Note that the two express slightly different meanings. Present simple here expresses a customary activity with no implied boundary; it is something you always do. Present continuous, however, has more of a current or transitory feel to it. You would use this to suggest that the activity has been started recently or may not be ongoing after a certain point.