Present tense

Question

e.g. George washes the dishes.It seems to be no problem to use this kind of use in present tense for expressing the idea that is happening right now, as far as I've known it. However, a material related to semantics says that no describing an event happening at the present moment is here, in  the above example.so I am really curious about this. It is way absolutely impossible to use the simple present for expressing "at this very moment"?and Native spreakers do strictly tell the simple present from the present progressive?

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Here is a natural conversation.

Q - What are you doing'?
A - I'm writing an essay.

Q - What is George doing?
A - He's washing the dishes.

Clive

Mister Micawber · Answer

e.g. George washes the dishes. It seems to be no problem to use this kind of use in present tense for expressing the idea that is happening right now, as far as I've known it. -- Yes, that is a problem. Your sentence about George refers to his general chore every day, not what he is doing now.

However, a material related to semantics says that no describing an event happening at the present moment is here, in the above example.-- That is correct.

so I am really curious about this. It is way absolutely impossible to use the simple present for expressing "at this very moment"?-- For verbs of action, that is correct. For verbs of sensation, possession and a few more, it is possible: I feel sick; I think it is cold; I have a new car.

and Native spreakers do strictly tell the simple present from the present progressive?-- Yes, quite clearly.

Cho7712 · Answer

Thank you for your answers,
It surely helps towards distinguishing the usage from the other one.

CalifJim · Answer

cho7712 George washes the dishes.

This is what he does on a regular basis. Maybe he does this every day, or several times a day. It is his job, his duty.
At the moment we say this, George may be sunning himself on the beach, or taking a walk in the park.

George is washing the dishes.

This is the activity he is engaged in at the moment we say this. He is not at the beach now; he is not walking in the park. If we look at him just as we hear this, we will see him washing the dishes.

Therefore, you can say

George washes the dishes, but he is not washing the dishes now.

OR

George does not usually wash the dishes, but he is washing the dishes now.

cho7712Native spreakers do strictly tell the simple present from the present progressive?

Yes! It's two different things.

CJ

Cho7712 · Answer

Thank you, CJ
It is so confirming that I can grasp the usage of present tense.

Present tense

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