In this lesson, we will explore the usage of the Present Simple and Present Continuous tenses, focusing on when to choose one instead of the other. You will learn how to learn specific contexts that require each tense. Through examples and practice, you will develop a deeper understanding of both tenses and how to use them accurately.
To understand more about the difference between Present Simple and Present Continuous, let's compare the two tenses:
We use the Present Simple to talk about things which are true at any time (facts). However, Present Continuous is used to talk about actions in progress at the time of speaking.
Present Simple
Luca speaks Mandarin.
Authors write books.
Present Continuous
Luca is at the Polyglots' conference. He is speaking Mandarin.
Steve wants to hear from me. I am writing a letter to him.
We use the Present Simple for for actions that are repeated or situations that exist over a long period of time.. But, we use Present Continuous for things that only continue for a limited period of time around now.
Present Simple
Tom plays the piano for living.
My brother lives in Spain.
He practices his instrument every morning.
We often go to a concert on Sundays.
They usually eat out in the evening.
Present Continuous
Scott is playing the piano at the Concert Hall.
Steve is working for 2 weeks in Canada.
We use the Present Simple with thinking and feeling verbs like know, understand, notice, forget, remember, love, like, want, need, ...However, be careful! We don't usually use the Present Continuous with those verbs.
Present Simple
I don't know which the country to travel to.
Present Continuous
NOT I'm knowing a great composer from Germany.
We carefully use the verbs to have and to think in Present Simple or Present Continuous.
Present Simple
"Have" is used in Present Simple to talk about possessions:
I have a cellphone.
We use "think" in Present Simple to talk about opinions:
I think the show is boring.
Present Continuous
"Have" and "think" are used in Present Continuous to talk about actions:
He's having fun at the party.
She is thinking about her boyfriend.