Present Simple and Present Continuous
We use the Present Simple:
- for permanent situations I live in a flat She works for an insurance company. - for repeated actions or habits I use my mobile phone every day. - for general truths The sun rises in the East. Matter consists of small particles. - to tell stories, to summarise the plot of a film or book |
We use the Present Continuous:
- for temporary situations I’m staying with my friend at the moment. She is working very hard nowadays. - for changing situations The weather is getting hotter and hotter. - for actions occurring at the moment of speaking I’m using John’s mobile at the moment because I left mine at home. - for expressing annoying habits with words like always You’re always borrowing money! |
Notes:
1. always + Present Simple = “every time"
I always complain about the bad service in restaurants
2. always + Present Continuous = “all the time”
You are always complaining that waiters are rude.
3. We can’t use never…again with the Present Simple
CORRECT: I’m never speaking to you again.
INCORRECT: I never speak to you again.
1. always + Present Simple = “every time"
I always complain about the bad service in restaurants
2. always + Present Continuous = “all the time”
You are always complaining that waiters are rude.
3. We can’t use never…again with the Present Simple
CORRECT: I’m never speaking to you again.
INCORRECT: I never speak to you again.
Exercise 1
Present Simple and Present Continuous
Matching exercise
Match the sentences with the explanations.
Watch a video about Present Simple and Present Continuous