Present simple and Present continuous

Present simple and continuous

Present simple

We use the present simple to talk about actions we see as long term or permanent. It is a very common and very important tense.

Here, we are talking about regular actions or events.

They drive to the office every day.
She doesn't come here very often.
The news usually starts at 6.00 every evening.
Do you usually have bacon and eggs for breakfast?

Here, we are talking about facts.

We have two children.
Water freezes at 0° C or 32° F.
What does this expression mean?
The Thames flows through London.

Here, we are talking about future facts, usually found in a timetable or a chart.

Christmas Day falls on a Monday this year.
The plane leaves at 5.00 tomorrow morning.
Ramadan doesn't start for another 3 weeks.
Does the class begin at 10 or 11 this week?

Here, we are talking about our thoughts and feelings at the time of speaking. Although these feelings can be short-term, we use the present simple and not the present continuous.

They don't ever agree with us.
I think you are right.
She doesn't want you to do it.
Do you understand what I am trying to say.

Present continuous

The present continuous is used to talk about present situations which we see as short-term or temporary. We use the present simple to talk about present situations which we see as long-term or permanent.

In these examples, the action is taking place at the time of speaking.

It's raining.
Who is Kate talking to on the phone?
Look, somebody is trying to steal that man's wallet.
I'm not looking. My eyes are closed tightly.

In these examples, the action is true at the present time but we don't think it will be true in the long term.

I'm looking for a new apartment.
He's thinking about leaving his job.
They're considering making an appeal against the judgment.
Are you getting enough sleep?

In these examples, the action is at a definite point in the future and it has already been arranged.

I'm meeting her at 6.30.
They aren't arriving until Tuesday.
We are having a special dinner at a top restaurant for all the senior managers.
Isn't he coming to the dinner?

Present simple or continuous

The Present Simple is used for:

regular actions or events
He plays tennis most weekends.

facts
The sun rises in the east.

facts known about the future
We leave at 8.30 next Monday

thoughts and feelings about the time of speaking
I don't feel very well.

The Present Continuous is used for:

the time of speaking ('now')
Shh, I'm trying to hear what they are saying .

things which are true at the moment but not always
We're looking for a new flat.

present plans for the future
We're having dinner with them next week .

Look at these examples :

I don't usually have cereals for breakfast but I'm having some this morning because there is nothing else.

I often cycle to work but I'm taking the car this morning because it's raining very hard.

I'm thinking about having my hair cut short but I don't think my husband will be very happy about it.

My parents live in Washington but I'm just visiting.

Note 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.

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