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Present Simple vs. Present Continuous / Present Progressive (現在式 vs. 現在進行式)

The main distinction between present simple and present continuous is that one (present simple) states a more permanent situation such as facts or repetitive actions, and the other (present continuous) states a more temporary condition such as things happening at this very moment.  When talking about states or feelings, use simple present tense unless you are stressing the feeling at this very moment as we speak. 

For example:

1.  I am washing dishes now.  I usually wash my plates after 9pm. 

(The action of dishwashing happens at this very instant while I am talking to you.  It indicates a temporary situation.  The second sentence states a habitual situation.)

2.  I feel bad that Jeremy is not feeling well. 

(Use Simple Present when talking about states or feeling.  Use Present Continuous to state a temporary situation happening right now.)

3.  He works as an ESL teacher in University of New Mexico.  He is not working tomorrow. 

(Use Simple Present to state a fact. It indicates a permanent situation.  Use Present Continuous to state actions going or not going to happen in the future.)

See details for Present Simple at http://elisaenglish.pixnet.net/blog/post/1581451

and Present Continuous at http://elisaenglish.pixnet.net/blog/post/2273609

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