Present Continuous or Present Simple? — Explanation

With simple A1 grammar rules, examples, and a free online test, you can learn the difference between present simple and present continuous.

Present Continuous or Present Simple?

When do we use the Present Simple?

We use the Present Simple to say:

• Habits and routines (things we do regularly)
  I go to school every day.
• Facts and general truths
  The sun rises in the east.
• Permanent situations
  She lives in London.

Time expressions:
always, usually, often, sometimes, never, every day, on Mondays

Form:
Subject + base verb (+ s/es for he, she, it)
He works in a bank.
They play football.

When do we use the Present Continuous?

We use the Present Continuous to talk about:

• Actions happening now (at the moment of speaking)
  I’m reading a book right now.
• Temporary situations
  She is staying with her friend this week.
• Future plans (near future)
  We’re meeting our teacher tomorrow.

Time expressions:
now, right now, at the moment, today, this week, these days

Form:
Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing
I’m watching TV.
They are studying English.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect: I’m know the answer. → Correct: I know the answer.
(Some verbs like know, like, want, believe are not used in continuous form.)

Incorrect: She go to work now. → Correct: She is going to work now.

Quick Tips

Use Present Simple for things you do all the time.
Use Present Continuous for things that are happening right now or will happen soon.

Examples

• I usually drink coffee in the morning, but today I’m drinking tea.
• She works in a shop, but this month she’s studying online.
• They play football every Saturday. They’re playing right now.