Present Simple and Present Continuous: Important Differences

 

Present Simple vs Present Continuous! Learn the difference between Present Simple and Present Continuous tense with example sentences and useful grammar rules.

Present Simple and Present Continuous

Present Simple vs Present Continuous Differences in Usage

• The present simple tense is used to express general truths, while the present continuous tense 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)

• The present simple tense is used to indicate present habits, while the present continuous tense 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)

• The present simple tense expresses timetable events; the present continuous tense is used to describe future arrangements.

Examples:           

The plane to London takes off at 6:30 a.m. (present simple) 

The Drama club 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)

• The present simple tense is used to indicate permanent states; In contrast, the present continuous tense 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.

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Present Simple and Present Continuous