Present simple or progressive?

The present simple

1. Used to talk about long-lasting or permanent situations.

• He listens only to people he respects.
  
• Cindy works more efficiently than any of us.
  
• He works for Morgan Stanley.
  
• A statue stands at the entrance to our building.
  
• We offer our customers excellent service.
  
• I do my best on every new assignment.
  
• Marcia writes the best reports.

TIP: This is the form that many German-speakers tend to underuse. Would the words “permanently”, “all the time”, “always”, “regularly” or “never” apply to what you are saying? If so, use the present simple.

2. Used to talk about fixed laws.

• The sun rises in the East.
• Water expands when it freezes.
  
• Unemployment increases during a recession.
  

TIP: Use the present simple to talk about laws of nature and other regularly occurring phenomena. When using “change” verbs (“increase”, “grow”, “rise”, etc.), choose the present simple when you can add the adverb “always”.

3. Used to talk about regular occurrences.

• What do you do at weekends?
• I meet the CEO every Friday afternoon.
• I work until eight every evening.
• School starts at 8 o’clock every morning.
• On Thursdays, we play squash after work.
• The bank opens at 9 a.m. Monday to Friday.
  

TIP: “At weekends” and “every winter/month/week/day/Friday/morning” are usually clear signals to use the present simple.