| Present Simple | Present Continuous |
|---|---|
|
I usually walk to school. You sometimes buy newspapers, don’t you? He always does his homework. She often plays video games. My pet never sleeps with us. We usually spend time with our friends. You never eat meat. They rarely go to the movies. I don’t usually listen to pop music. You don’t always listen to me. He doesn’t usually call us in the morning. She doesn’t work every day. It doesn’t often play outside. We do not travel abroad every year. You don’t watch TV in the morning. They do not eat pizza every night. Do I know you? Do you normally wear casual clothes? Does he go out every evening? Does she walk her dog every morning? Does it like me? Do we speak English well? Do you understand me? Do Jack and Mary normally go to bed early? Do your brothers listen to the radio in the evening? Do they have a lot of toys? |
I am working right now. You are running too fast. Slow down. He is sleeping now. She is cooking at the moment. Look at Mary. She is climbing a tree. Look at the bird. It is eating your cake. We are playing now. You are making a lot of noise. Be quiet. They are meeting their friends in the evening. Are you doing your homework now? Is Jack coming tonight? Why is this woman here? Is she waiting for me? Are you going out in the evening? Are they studying at the moment? I am not doing anything special tonight. Stop lying! You aren’t telling me the truth. He isn’t driving at the moment. They are not visiting her grandparents this Monday. |
Remember!
- He [meets / is meeting] his friends every day / every evening / on Sunday(s).
- I [know / am knowing] them well.
- I [like / am liking] tennis.
- I [want / am wanting] to tell you something.
- They [are playing / play] now / at the moment.
- He [is meeting / meets] his friends right now / tomorrow / next week / next Friday.
📖 The Simple Present & Present Continuous 👇 Click to see the full picture!
📅 Simple Present: Everyday Actions
The Simple Present is used to talk about things that happen regularly or are always true.
Examples:
- 🚶♂️ I walk to school every day.
- 💸 She works in a bank.
- ⛅ The sun rises in the east.
How to Form It:
- I/You/We/They + base verb (e.g., play, eat, live).
- I play football.
- He/She/It + verb + -s (e.g., plays, eats, lives).
- He plays football.
When Do We Use It?
- ⏳ Routines: Things we do often.
- I brush my teeth every morning.
- 📏 Facts: Things that are always true.
- Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
- 🏡 General truths: Permanent situations.
- She lives in London.
🕳️ Present Continuous: Actions Happening Now
The Present Continuous is used to talk about actions that are happening right now or are temporary.
Examples:
- 💻 I am studying for my exam.
- 🏈 They are playing football in the park.
- 🍽 She is cooking dinner.
How to Form It:
- Subject (I/You/He/She/It/We/They) + am/is/are + verb + -ing.
- I am eating lunch.
- She is reading a book.
- They are playing outside.
When Do We Use It?
- 🕐 Actions happening now: Things that are happening at the moment of speaking.
- Look! The cat is sleeping on the chair.
- 🌟 Temporary actions: Things that are happening around now but not always.
- I am staying at my friend’s house this week.
- ⏯ Future plans: Arrangements for the near future.
- We are going to the cinema tonight.
🗓️ Comparing Simple Present & Present Continuous
- ⏳ Simple Present: Use it for things that happen regularly or are always true.
- She drinks coffee every morning. (It’s a routine.)
- ⏳🕐 Present Continuous: Use it for things happening right now or temporary actions.
- She is drinking coffee right now. (It’s happening at this moment.)
Examples Together:
- 🚗 He drives to work every day. (Simple Present: routine)
- 🚛 He is driving to work now. (Present Continuous: happening now)
Tip:
For habits and facts, use the Simple Present.
For things happening at the moment or temporary actions, use the Present Continuous.
English Grammar Quiz 2.1.7
© Konstantinos Mylonas