Present tense vs present progressive
1
vote
I was wondering if the present tense can be used to describe an ongoing action instead of the present progressive? I had an exam in college and ended up using the present tense to answer the questions, just wanted to know if these could be the right answers.
El profesor mira los estudiantes. - The professor is watching the students. Los estudiantes toman un examen. - The students are taking a exam.
1098 views
updated Feb 28, 2016
posted by denis1992
I'm going to assume you are male, fluent in English and a beginner in Spanish please add this information to your profile. it also helps to know what country you live in and a little about yourself. - Jubilado, Feb 27, 2016
1 Answer
5
votes
Yes, the present tense is used in that way. A professor who insists that you use "está mirando" and "están tomando" is doing so to make sure you can use the present progressive, not to make sure you sound natural. The present progressive is used less in Spanish than in English.
One piece of bad news: El profesor mira a los estudiantes.
updated Feb 28, 2016
posted by jtaniel
You nailed it. Has dado en el clavo. - Daniela2041, Feb 28, 2016
You get my vote. If dennis1992 fills out his (her?) profile he will too! - Jubilado, Feb 28, 2016
Thanks alot. - denis1992, Feb 28, 2016
