Hi. :) When saying "I always leave the lights on." is implying that it's something you do intentionally all the time and "I am always leaving the lights on." is implying that you forget to turn the lights off all the time. And as for the second sentence, you could use either one, they are both implying the same thing. :)

I always leave the lights on : it is my normal practice to leave the lights on. I do this every time. I am always leaving the lights on: it is not my intention, but too often, I leave the lights on by mistake In your example, 'Jim is always leaving things on his for' is correct Sorry I can't really tell you why it means this! The inclusion of always is not just to add emphasis. It somehow becomes the focus. Because the statement implies something that is unwanted, it now means to me that you are frustrated with yourself that this occurs so frequently. Hth

according to grammar book "always + -ing" indicated irritation or anxiety