Use present simple instead of continuous

Question

Hi, I have a specific question. Can we use present simple instead of continuous in poems, songs, etc.?
For instance, like in this line by "The Waifs":

"Now you sit alone in the sun, in the backyard, feeding the birds reading the newspaper"

Does this give any flavor to the phrase, or is it just plain wrong?

Thanks in advance for helping

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Hello, vvz-- and welcome to English Forums.

Yes, you can-- and it gives the same 'eternal' effect that simple present gives in prose, while present continuous refers to Now only.

Vvz · Answer

Thanks Mister Micawber! And could you be more specific about what you mean by the '"eternal" effect'? Is there any formalized definition for this case?

Here's one more example, btw
http://bit.ly/arVth7

Mister Micawber · Answer

It's called the 'state' or 'timeless' present.  I don't really know why it is used in your link, though.  Present continuous would be expected there.

Vvz · Answer

So, does it sound weird? And, does it for the following two lines from a poem I'm writing:
=
You sit alone in the hallway
You read a prayer but don't pray
=

Mister Micawber · Answer

No, it doesn't sound weird in the linked passage, and it sounds fine in your poem.  Realize, however, that its use in your poem indicates the use of present simple as 'habit'– that is, the person sits alone from time to time, not 'now' only.

Anonymous · Answer

The present continuous can refer to the future too:

I'm going out tonight (future)

I'm going out now (present)

Use present simple instead of continuous

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