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Present Simple or Present Continuous

John is a reporter. He works at the local TV station. He is reporting about the bad weather in the mountain.
John is a reporter. He works at the local TV station. He is reporting about the bad weather.

We have learnt about Present Simple and Present Continous. In this lesson we will learn how to differentiate the two tenses in use.

1. Sometimes or Now?

PRESENT SIMPLEPRESENT CONTINUOUS
We use the Present Simple for repeated actions.”He works at the local TV station” means that he does it again and again, he works everyday.

It always rains at the weekend.
I watch television most evenings.
He’s photographer. He takes lots of photos.

We use the Present Continous for something happening now.”He is reporting about the bad weather” means that John is in the middle of a live broadcast.

It‘s raining at the moment.
I am watching this programme.
Look. That man is talking to your wife.

2. Thoughts, feelings and states

We normally use the Present Simple to talk about thoughts and feelings.

I think it’s a good programme.
Kitty likes her job.

We also use Present Simple to talk about states and permanent facts.

Cakes tastes really sweet.
Paper burns easily.

We also use the Present Simple in I promise, I agree, I refuse, etc.

I promise I’ll write to you.
It’s alright. I forgive you.

3. Permanent or Temporary?

PRESENT SIMPLEPRESENT CONTINUOUS
We use the Present Simple for a routine or situation that we see as permanent.

I work at a sport shop. It’s a permanent job.
They live in a very nice flat.

We use the Present Continuous for a routine or situation that we see a temporary (for a short period).

I‘m working at a sports shop for six weeks.
At the moment they are living in a very small flat.

 

4. Always

PRESENT SIMPLEPRESENT CONTINUOUS

Always with the Present Simple means “every time”.

Tom always invites us to stay at Christmas.
(= He invites us every Christmas)

I always make silly mistakes in exams.
(= I make mistakes in every exams)

We can use always with the Present Continuous to
mean “very often”, usually with the added
meaning of “too often”.

Tom is always inviting friends here.
(= He invites them very often.)

I am always making silly mistakes.
(= I make silly mistakes too often.)

1 thought on “Present Simple or Present Continuous”

  1. What is the difference between Present simple tense and Simple Present tense is it the same thing? little bit confusion kindly clear this for me

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