When English tenses finally “click”

Today’s session was… lively. With Sara and Frank.

Frank nodded as if he was born speaking English. Sara looked at me as if her brain had taken a secret holiday.

We talked about two English tenses that sound simple but confuse almost everyone:

Simple present
For things that happen regularly.
“I always forget English grammar.”

Present continuous
For things happening right now.
“I am learning English… and slowly losing my mind.”

Then it clicked for Sara.

“I run a business.”
Simple present. Something she always does.

“But right now, I am learning English.”
Present continuous. Something happening at this moment.

Suddenly she was unstoppable.
“I always struggle with English… but I am improving right now!”

Frank looked shocked.
Sara looked proud.
I looked happy.

Progress is progress.
And yes. She is improving.

Next week we’ll look at the past.
Wish us luck.

Which English tense gives you the biggest headache?