Present simple tense?

[Aikuzo]

- Where can I throw this?
- Do you see that trash can over at the corner?

EnglishClub Rule:
the action is general
the action happens all the time, or habitually, in the past, present and future
the action is not only happening now
the statement is always true

As I can see, it is a "now" sentence, not past, present, future. Is it still a present simple tense?
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I quit studying English years ago and have just come back to study the basics.

[Cerberus™]

You are right that the sentence doesn't really fit the rules for present simple, and yet it must be "(do) you see" here. The continuous wouldn't be right, but I find it hard to explain why not.

Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that the present continuous comprises an action that is going on at the very moment of speaking, something that is happening while the speaking takes place; whereas when you "see that thrash can", the seeing happens in an instant or not at all. Well, I'm afraid I cannot come up with a good answer.

[Alan]

Hi,

The point to bear in mind is that 'see' is a verb that doesn't in its first meaning have a continuous form. It would be the same with: Do you understand?

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Aikuzo]

I think I understand it now, though I can't explain as well why I do. xD

Present Simple
- Do you hear it?
- I can do it
- I know it's hard.

Present Continuous
- I am doing something guys.
- We are building a tower
- I am organizing my files

Etc.
_________________
I quit studying English years ago and have just come back to study the basics.