Present simple tense vs. Present continuous tense

Present simple IntroductionPresent simple expresses an action in the present taking place at once, never or several times (habitual actions).It is also used for actions that take place one after another and for actions that are set by a timetable or schedule. Present simple also expresses established truths or facts.

e.g. I usually have lunch at noon. The bus leaves at 3.30. Water boils at 100C.

Present continuous IntroductionPresent continuous is used for actions going on in the moment of speaking and for actions taking place only for a short period of time. It is also used to express development & actions that are arranged for the near future.e.g. Cant you see Im attending to a customer? Im finishing up this bouquet, Ill be with you in a moment.

FORMPresent simplePresent continuous

infinitive (without the particle to)(3rd person singular: infinitive +s)e.g. I eatYou eatHe/She/It eatsWe eatYou eatThey eatform of be + verb + ing

e.g. I am eatingYou are eatingHe/She/It is eatingWe are eatingYou are eatingThey are eating

USEIn general or right now?Do you want to express that something happens in general or that something is happening right now? Present simplePresent continuous

in general (regularly, often, never) e.g. I play football every Tuesday. present action happening one after another e.g. First I play football, then I watch TV. right now e.g. Look! John is playing football. for several actions happening at the same timee.g. John is playing football and Mary is watching.

SIGNAL WORDSPresent simplePresent continuous

always, every , often, normally, usually, sometimes, seldom, never, first, then at the moment, at this moment, today, now, right now, Listen! Look!

Timetable/Schedule or arrangement? You have to decide whether you want to express something arranged for the near future or a time set by a timetable or schedule.

Present simplePresent continuous

action set by a timetable or schedulee.g. The film starts at 8.00 PM. arrangement for the near futuree.g. I am going to the cinema tonight.

Daily routine or just for a limited period of time?Do you want to talk about a daily routine or do you want to emphasize that something is only going on for a limited (rather short) period of time?Present simplePresent continous

daily routinee.g. Bob works in a bank. only for a limited period of time (does not have to happen directly at the moment of speaking)e.g. Jill is working the late shift this week.

Use only Present Simple if you want to express:state: be, cost, fit, mean, suit.e.g. We are on holiday.possession: belong, have, own, possess.e.g. Sam has a cat.feelings: hate, love, hope, like, prefer, regret, want, wish. e.g. Mike loves painting the town red on weekends. brain work: believe, know, think, understand.e.g. I only know what youre thinking once in a blue moon.introductory clauses for direct speech: answer, ask, reply, say. e.g. Im watching T.V., he says.