[Grammar] present simple x continuous

[Unregistered]

Hi,

I would like to ask what is the difference (or if I can use only one possibility) between:

I study to become a doctor. I read a book about WWII. ...
I'm studying to become a doctor. I'm reading a book about WWII. ...

Is it possible to use both tenses?



Thanks a lot.


Jana

 

[Linguist__]

Hi,

I would like to ask what is the difference (or if I can use only one possibility) between:

I study to become a doctor. I read a book about WWII. ...
I'm studying to become a doctor. I'm reading a book about WWII. ...

Is it possible to use both tenses?



Thanks a lot.


Jana

(Not a teacher)

It would sound very unnatural to say the present simple tense just on it's own like this. In response to a question that 'models' the tense, it would be appropriate:

'What do you study for?'
'I study to become a doctor.'

'What book do you read in your free time?'
'I read a book about WWII.'

However, the present continuous tense is much more natural sounding. People hardly ever talk about doing things in present simple tense.

__

It seems to me that 'present simple' tense is more used to describe things that are more permanent/longer lasting:

I live in a house.
I work as a teacher.
I like cheese.

Even in your examples, 'I study to become a doctor' sounds better than 'I read a book about WWII' because studying is more permanent than reading a book. At least, I think that's what makes it sound unnatural - 'I read a book about...' sounds like it's the only book you ever read.