PRESENT SIMPLE VS PRESENT CONTINUOUS

We use the Present Simple

• for regular actions or events I watch TV most evenings.
• facts The sun rises in the east
• facts known about the future
  The plane leaves at 5.00 in the morning.
• thoughts and feelings about the time of speakingI don't understand.

We usually find that present simple forms are used together with FREQUENCY ADVERBS such as : añways, often, sometimes, never, hardly ever, rarely...

We use the Present Continuous

• at the time of speaking ('now')
  I'm watching a movie on TV.
• things which are true at the moment but not alwaysI'm looking for a new job.
• present plans for the futureI'm taking my husband to New York for his birthday.

We normally find TIME EXPRESSIONS such as AT THE MOMENT, NOW, RIGHT NOW with the present continuous forms.

 LOOK AT THE SENTENCES:

• I usually don't drink coffee but I'm having one this morning because there is nothing else.
• I often drive to work but I'm taking the train this morning because my car is in for repair.
• I'm thinking about dying my hair blonde but I don't think my wife will be very happy about it.
• My parents live in New York but I'm just visiting.

Notice how in all these examples we use the present continuous to talk about events which are temporary/limited in time and the present simple to talk about events which are habits/permanent.

EXERCISES ON THE PRESENT SIMPLE & CONTINUOUS

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

Exercise 3