Present continuous or simple?

A Now or sometimes

PRESENT SIMPLE

We use the present simple for repeated actions

I often speak live to the camera. (Kitti does it again and again)

It always rains at the weekend.

I watch television most weekends.

He's a photographer. He takes lots of photos.

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

We use the present continuous for something happening now.

I am speaking to you live. (Kitty is in the middle of a live broadcast)

It's raining at the moment.

I'm watching this programme.

Look. That man is taking a photo of you.

We normally use the present simple to talk about thoughts and feelings.

I think it's a good programme.

Kitty likes her job.

We also use it to talk about states and permanent facts.

Reporting means a lot to her.

Paper burns easily.

We also use the present simple in I promise, I agree, I refuse, etc.

I promise I'll write to you.

It's all right. I forgive you.

PRESENT SIMPLE

We use the present simple for a routine or situation that we see as permanent.

I work at a sports shop. It's a permanent job.

They live in a very nice flat.

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

We use the present continuous for a routine or situation that we see as temporary (for a short period).

I'm working at a sports shop for six weeks.

At the moment they're living in a very small flat.

PRESENT SIMPLE

Always with the present simple means 'every time'.

Tom always invites us to stay at Christmas. (He invites us every Christmas.)

I always make silly mistakes in exams. (I make mistakes in every exam.)

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

We can use always with the present continuous to mean 'very often', usually with the added meaning of too often.

Tom is always inviting friends here. (He invites them very often.)

I'm always making silly mistakes. (I make silly mistakes too often.)