You are on page 1of 3

Present simple tense vs.

Present continuous tense


Present simple Introduction
Present simple expresses an action in the present taking place at once, never or several times
(habitual actions).
It is also used for actions that take place one after another and for actions that are set by a
timetable or schedule. Present simple also expresses established truths or facts.
e.g. I usually have lunch at noon.
The bus leaves at 3.30.
Water boils at 100C.

Present continuous Introduction


Present continuous is used for actions going on in the moment of speaking and for actions taking
place only for a short period of time. It is also used to express development & actions that are
arranged for the near future.
e.g. Cant you see Im attending to a customer?
Im finishing up this bouquet, Ill be with you in a moment.

FORM
Present simple
infinitive (without the particle to)

Present continuous
form of be + verb + ing

(3rd person singular: infinitive +s)


e.g. I eat

e.g. I am eating

You eat

You are eating

He/She/It eats

He/She/It is eating

We eat

We are eating

You eat

You are eating

They eat

They are eating

USE
In general or right now?
Do you want to express that something happens in general or that something is happening right
now?

Present simple
in general (regularly, often, never)

e.g. I play football every Tuesday.

Present continuous
right now
e.g. Look! John is playing football.
for several actions happening at the

present action happening one after

same time
e.g. John is playing football and Mary

another
e.g. First I play football, then I watch

is watching.

TV.
SIGNAL WORDS

Present simple
always, every , often, normally,

usually, sometimes, seldom, never, first,


then

Timetable/Schedule or arrangement?

Present continuous
at the moment, at this moment, today,
now, right now, Listen! Look!

You have to decide whether you want to express something arranged for the near future or a time
set by a timetable or schedule.
Present simple
action set by a timetable or schedule

Present continuous
arrangement for the near future
e.g. I am going to the cinema tonight.

e.g. The film starts at 8.00 PM.


Daily routine or just for a limited period of time?

Do you want to talk about a daily routine or do you want to emphasize that something is only
going on for a limited (rather short) period of time?
Present simple
daily routine
e.g. Bob works in a bank.

Present continous
only for a limited period of time (does

not have to happen directly at the


moment of speaking)
e.g. Jill is working the late shift this
week.

Use only Present Simple if you want to express:


state: be, cost, fit, mean, suit.
e.g. We are on holiday.
possession: belong, have, own, possess.
e.g. Sam has a cat.
feelings: hate, love, hope, like, prefer, regret, want, wish.
e.g. Mike loves painting the town red on weekends.
brain work: believe, know, think, understand.
e.g. I only know what youre thinking once in a blue moon.
introductory clauses for direct speech: answer, ask, reply, say.
e.g. Im watching T.V., he says.

You might also like