Present continuous for habitual actions in the present

Question

Hi all!I am a little bit confused about the use of present continuous for repeated habitual actions in the present. My examples are:At 7.15, I'm normally having breakfast.insteadAt 7.15, I normally have breakfast.Whenever I get home, my dog is sleeping in the armchair.insteadWhenever I get home, my dog sleeps in the armchair.If we assume that the second example expresses the idea that something is irritating then the use present continuous is clear. But if we have repeated habitual action?Thanks in advance!

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

AnonymousWhenever I get home, my dog [is sleeping / sleeps] in the armchair.

This strikes me as an unnatural combination of clauses. The continuous form doesn't sound so unnatural, but I'd word it slightly differently if it were my choice to make.

No matter what time I get home, I find my dog sleeping in the armchair.

The simple form doesn't work for me at all. The use of 'whenever I get home' suggests that something happens as a result of the fact that you get home. But the dog has already gone to sleep before then, so all your arrival home can do is, maybe, wake the dog. The following is possible, though not necessarily what you want.

By the time I get home, my dog has already fallen asleep in the armchair.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Many thanks for the prompt reply!
What do you think about the first example?

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousWhat do you think about the first example?

Both are usable. The use of the continuous invites the reader to imagine you in the activity of having breakfast. The simple aspect simply informs the reader of a regularly scheduled event.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Thanks!

Present continuous for habitual actions in the present

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