Should I write dogs bark or dogs are barking? - briefly
The choice between "dogs bark" and "dogs are barking" depends on whether you want to convey a general truth about dogs (use "bark") or describe a specific action happening right now (use "are barking").
Should I write dogs bark or dogs are barking? - in detail
The choice between writing "dogs bark" and "dogs are barking" depends on several linguistic factors, including tense, aspect, and emphasis.
Firstly, consider the tense. "Dogs bark" is in the simple present tense, which is used for general truths, habits, or repeated actions. For example, you might write "Dogs bark at night" to describe a common occurrence. In contrast, "dogs are barking" uses the present continuous tense, indicating an action happening now or temporarily. If you want to convey that the dogs are currently making noise, you would use this form.
Secondly, examine the aspect. The simple present ("dogs bark") emphasizes the general characteristic of dogs without specifying duration or completion. It focuses on the habitual nature of the action. On the other hand, the present continuous ("dogs are barking") highlights the ongoing process and can imply a temporary or changing situation.
Lastly, consider the emphasis. Using "are" in "dogs are barking" adds emphasis to the verb "barking," drawing attention to the action itself. This can be useful if you want to stress that the dogs are indeed making noise at this moment.
In summary, use "dogs bark" for general statements or habitual actions, and use "dogs are barking" when you want to emphasize the current or temporary nature of the barking.