The Present Simple and the Present Continuous

In this lesson we’re looking at comparing the Present Simple and the Present Continuous in English.

Here we’re going to learn the basic rules between these two tenses, and how to use the Present Continuous to complain.

Have fun with the lesson, and the quizzes.

– James.

The Present Simple is used for general facts, things that happen repeatedly, and habits:

Your cakes always taste delicious.

I go to the shop every Sunday.

Most kids learn to ride a bike when they are six.

The Present Simple is also used for permanent situations:

He lives in Paris.

France is in Europe.

Decide if the Present Simple sentences should be changed to Present Continuous in this quiz.

The Present Continuous is used for things happening now, or around now:

Stephanie is cooking.

We‘re driving to the shop.

I‘m learning English so I can go on holiday.

The Present Continuous is also used for temporary situations:

He is living with friends until he finds his own place.

My car has broken down, so I‘m taking the bus to work.

Complete the Present Simple or Present Continuous sentences.

Have a look at this sentence:

He always leaves his dirty socks on the floor.

This sentence means that he has a habit of doing an action, nothing more. Have a look at this sentence:

He is always leaving his dirty socks on the floor.

This sentence means the same as before, but since I used the Present Continuous it also means: “and it happens too much”. Here are more examples:

You always watch TV.
(a fact)

You are always watching TV.
(…and you do it too much)

He always ignores me.
(a fact)

He is always ignoring me.
(and he does it too much)

Match the halves of the Present sentences.

Order the Present Continuous sentences in this quiz. Don’t forget to place ALWAYS correctly.

The Present Simple is used to talk about actions that repeat.
It is also used to say that something is permanent.
The Present Continuous is used to talk about something happening now.
It is also used to talk about temporary situations.
The Present Continuous with always means that you are annoyed by an action by someone else.