Present Simple And Present Continuous

Present Simple and Present Continuous

The Present Simple and the Present Continuous are two basic tenses in English that help us talk about actions and situations in the present. Understanding when and how to use each one is important for speaking and writing clearly.

Present Simple

We use the Present Simple to talk about:

• Habits and routines
• Facts and general truths
• Schedules and timetables

Form: Subject + base verb (add -s or -es for he/she/it)

Examples:

• I go to school every day.
• She likes coffee.
• The train leaves at 6 PM.

Present Continuous

We use the Present Continuous to talk about:

• Actions happening right now
• Temporary situations
• Future arrangements

Form: Subject + am/is/are + verb + -ing

Examples:

• I am studying English now.
• They are watching a movie.
• We are meeting our friends later.

Present Simple vs Present Continuous

Quick Tips

• Use the Present Simple for things that happen regularly or are always true.
• Use the Present Continuous for things happening at the moment or around now.
• Don’t forget the -ing form in Present Continuous!
• Watch out for spelling: run → running, swim → swimming.
• For he/she/it in Present Simple, add -s to the verb: He plays football.