Present tenses are often used informally to tell stories.

The simple present is used for the events – the

things that happen one after another. The present progressive is used for “background“ – things that are
already happening when the story starts, or that continue through the story (this is like the difference
between the simple past and past progressive):
So I open the door, and I look out into the garden, and I see this man. He’ s wearing pyjamas and a
policeman’s helmet. “Hello,“ he says …

In commentaries, the use of tenses is similar. The simple present is used for the quicker actions and events
(which are finished before the sentences that describe them); the present continuous is used for longer
actions and situations. There are more simple and fewer continuous tenses in a football commentary, for
instance, than in a commentary on a boat race.
Harris passes back to Simms, nice ball – and Simms shoots!
Oxford are pulling slightly ahead of Cambridge now; they’re rowing with a beautiful rhythm;
Cambridge are looking a little disorganised.

In instructions and demonstrations, the use of tenses is similar.

First I put a lump of butter into a frying pan and light the gas; then while the butter’s melting I
break three eggs into a bowl, like this …

«Distancing» use. Progressive forms can make requests, questions and statements less direct. (They sound
less definite than simple forms, because they suggest something temporary and incomplete):
I’m hoping you can lend me £10. (less definite than I hope …)
What time are you planning to arrive. (less definite than Please let me know what time you plan to
arrive.)
I’m afraid we must be going.

In some cases, the choice between simple and continuous is part of attitude of the writer or speaker,
especially in explanations and descriptions of situations:
Professor Thorne explains that some patients eat too much because they grow up in families with poor
eating habits.
Professor Thorne explains that some patients are eating too much because they are growing up in families
with poor eating habits.
The first example (present simple) describes something that is generally true, the second (present
continuous) describes something more temporary or something not always the case.

When, while, as, if

We can use the present progressive (as a longer “background action“) for things that are going on around
regular or repeated actions:
At seven, when the post comes, I’m usually having breakfast.
You look lovely when you’re smiling.
She’s happy when she is playing.
The telephone always rings when she’s having a bath.
!(a simple tense is also possible)

We usually use while to say that two longer actions or situations go on at the same time. We can use
continuous or simple tense.
While she’s cooking dinner, he is watching TV.
As is used (with simple tenses) to talk about two situations which develop or change together:
As I get older I get more optimistic.
We prefer when to refer to ages and periods of life (usually with past tenses):
When I was a child we lived in London.