Explains vs is explaining

Question

This page explains the terms strong and weak as applied to acids. As a part of this it defines and explains what is meant by pH, Ka and pKa.

I know that present simple is used for habits, general truth, schedule or time table. "This page explains" doesn't fall into those uses so is this a special use of the present simple?
Why the present continuous "is explaining " sound unnatural and probably wrong?

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

JigneshbharatiI know that present simple is used for habits, general truth, schedule or time table. "This page explains" doesn't fall into those uses so is this a special use of the present simple?

I would not call it a special use. See below.

JigneshbharatiWhy does the present continuous "is explaining " sound unnatural, and why is it probably wrong?

As you guessed, it is wrong. But it's not easy to say why.

I'd say it's a special case of a schedule.

This train arrives in London at 4 pm.
This page explains a few facts about acids.

If you take the train, you'll get to London at 4.
If you read the page, you'll learn a few facts about acids.

In both cases, at the end of a certain time, some definite goal will be achieved.

CJ

Explains vs is explaining

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