Present Simple vs Present Continuous! Learn the difference betweenPresent Simpleand Present Continuoustensewith example sentences and useful grammar rules.
Present Simple and Present Continuous
Present Simple vs Present Continuous Differences in Usage
- Thepresent simpletense is used to express general truths, while thepresent continuoustense describes actions happening now.
Examples:
It rarely rains in the desert.(present simple)
You play chess with 32 pieces.(present simple)
She is reading a newspaper upstairs.(present continuous)
I’m busy, I’m doing my homework.(present continuous)
- Thepresent simpletense is used to indicate present habits, while thepresent continuoustense is used to express annoying habits (+ always).
Examples:
The birds return to the island every morning.(present simple)
Marsha goes to dance club every Thursday.(present simple)
You’re always forgetting to pay the bills.(present continuous)
He’s always singing in the shower.(present continuous)
- Thepresent simpletense expresses timetable events; thepresent continuoustense is used to describe future arrangements.
Examples:
The plane to London takes off at 6:30 a.m.(present simple)
TheDramaclub meets every other week at 7:30 p.m.(present simple)
She’s getting married on 3 November.(present continuous)
We’re leaving at 3 this afternoon.(present continuous)
- Thepresent simpletense is used to indicate permanent states; In contrast, thepresent continuoustense is used to express temporary states.
Examples:
He works at a hotel.(present simple)
I like the new James Bond film.(present simple)
She’s working at the museum until the end of this month.(present continuous)
Time Phrases with Present Simple and Present Continuous
Present Simple Tense
Always/usually/often/sometimes/rarely/never
Every week/Monday/month/year…
Once/twice/three times a week…
…
Present Continuous Tense
Now
Right now
At the moment
Today
This week/month/year
…
Present Simple vs Present Continuous | Picture
Learn the differences between Present Simple and Present Continuous in English with picture.
Present Simple and Present Continuous
12 Verb Tenses in English
Learn all (12) tenses in English with useful grammar rules, examples and ESL worksheets.
Last Updated on July 17, 2019
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Thank you so much! This helped a lot. I really appreciate your effort to help others❣️