being encouraged vs are encouraged

"NHS staff are being encouraged to lie about their hours to make trusts appear to be compliant with the European working time directive, according to figures seen exclusively by HSJ."

What would be the difference if I changed to the present simple?

"..................are encouraged..............."

"Being encouraged" means more that someone is encouraging them, as opposed to "the nurses are encouraged," implying that is what they simply are.

[Not a teacher]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Calis

"Being encouraged" means more that someone is encouraging them, as opposed to "the nurses are encouraged," implying that is what they simply are.

[Not a teacher]

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"The 20th century isolationism was surely rather symbolic and was implemented in politics under the influence of a very peculiar situation."

If I changed to the past progressive passive, would I be emphasizing the ongoing nature of an action in the past? "...............was being implemented............"

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ostap77

"The 20th century isolationism was surely rather symbolic and was implemented in politics under the influence of a very peculiar situation."

If I changed to the past progressive passive, would I be emphasizing the ongoing nature of an action in the past? "...............was being implemented............"

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No, the use of the past continuous tense or past tense in the context does not make any difference.

The past continuous tense expresses action at a particular moment in the past.There is no difference in emphasis.

not a teacher

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tedtmc

No, the use of the past continuous tense or past tense in the context does not make any difference.

The past continuous tense expresses action at a particular moment in the past.There is no difference in emphasis.

not a teacher

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I'd aprreciate a word of advice from a native speaker.