Present Simple or Continuous
Grammar Basics
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Simple Present vs. Present Continuous
Simple Present vs. Present Continuous
In general, we can say that:
Simple tenses are used to describe facts without providing much detail about when situations or events begin or end.
Continuous (progressive) tenses describe actions or events that are ongoing and that we know are temporary. Eventually, the activity will end or the situation will change.
SIMPLE PRESENT
SIMPLE PRESENT
Used for FACTS
Used for FACTS
For things that change (or don't change) easily
Scientific Facts.
States and conditions that easily change or change very often.
Opinions and beliefs.
Pollution is a modern-day problem.
It is often cold in winter.
I think we can do more to help our planet.
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
Used for situations that are TEMPORARY
Used for situations that are TEMPORARY
For an event or action that's ongoing during the time of speaking
For both short and long actions.
That will last for a limited length of time.
Often used with adverbial expressions of time such as: right now, today, this year.
I am studying for a very important English exam so I'll be busy for the next few weeks.
So, I 'm a student and usually I go to school in London but right now I'm doing a course in Paris.
Right now, too many people are living in poverty.
SIMPLE PRESENT
SIMPLE PRESENT
Used for FACTS
Used for FACTS
To talk about habits and routines
Things that happen (or don't happen) regularly.
We can use adverbs of frequency to tell us how often the action is repeated such as: usually, sometimes, often, rarely, never.
During the day, I work as an English teacher online but I also teach evening classes at a university. I live in a nearby town, so every night I commute there by train.
I use the internet constantly throughout the day, every day. I usually check my emails when I get up in the morning, and I always use it when I'm at work. Sometimes I also watch videos later in the evening, either on YouTube or Netflix. I like to read, so from time to time I also read books online or listen to music. So, as you can see, it's an important part of my life.
SIMPLE PRESENT
SIMPLE PRESENT
Used for FACTS
Used for FACTS
To talk about when something will happen
We often use this when talking about timetables or schedules.
The bus I need to take leaves at 6:30.
The bank opens at 8:00 and it closes at 5:00.
Tomorrow, I have class.
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
Used for situations that are TEMPORARY
Used for situations that are TEMPORARY
To talk about arrangements in the future
Something that’s already programmed, but that’s near the time when you’re talking about it.
Often used with adverbial expressions of time such as: tomorrow, later, tonight, next week, next month, next year.
I’m moving to France next week to attend university.
Later tonight, I’m going out with my friends. We’re meeting at a theater to see a movie.
Stative Verbs
Stative Verbs
Usually, we don't use continuous tenses with verbs that describe existence or state (stative verbs):
verbs of opinion:
verbs of opinion:
know, believe, understand, recognize, prefer, agree, disagree, approve, disapprove, suppose, suspect
verbs of possession:
verbs of possession:
have, own, belong, possess, include, owe
verbs involving the perception of the senses:
verbs involving the perception of the senses:
hear, smell, feel, appear, seem, resemble
verbs of emotion:
verbs of emotion:
love hate, like, want, need, desire, wish
verbs that describe intrinsic states and qualities:
verbs that describe intrinsic states and qualities:
weight, contain, consist, measure, cost, exist, depend, deserve, involve, matter
Remember, that some verbs have both a state form and an action form. Example:
I have new car. (State verb)
I'm having a party this weekend. Do you want to come? (Action verb)
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