Present Simple vs Present Continuous

Exercises

Explanation

What is Present Simple?

We use Present Simple to talk about:

• Habits and routines
  I wake up at 7 a.m. every day.

• General truths or facts
  Water freezes at 0°C.

• Permanent situations
  She lives in Madrid.

• Schedules or timetables
  The train leaves at six.

Present Simple Form

Subject + base verb (+ -s for he/she/it)

Examples:

• He works in an office.

• They play tennis every weekend.

• The shop opens at nine.

Negative Form

Subject + don’t/doesn’t + base verb

• I don’t like coffee.

• She doesn’t drive to work.

Questions

Do/Does + subject + base verb ?

• Do you study English online?

• Does he enjoy jazz music?

What is Present Continuous?

We use Present Continuous to talk about:

• Actions happening right now
  She is cooking dinner.

• Temporary actions
  I’m staying with my cousin this week.

• Changing or developing situations
  The weather is getting colder.

• Future arrangements
  We’re meeting our friends tomorrow.
  
  

Present Continuous Form

Subject + am/is/are + verb -ing

Examples:

• I am studying for my exam.

• He is watching TV.

• They are playing outside.

Negative Form

Subject + am/is/are + not + verb -ing

• I’m not working today.

• We aren’t traveling this weekend.

Questions

Am/Is/Are + subject + verb -ing ?

• Is she talking to her teacher?

• Are you coming to class tomorrow?

Key Differences

Time Markers

Present Simple: always, usually, often, sometimes, never, every day, on Mondays
Present Continuous: now, at the moment, today, right now, this week, tonight

Examples:

• I usually read before bed.

• She’s working from home today.