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FRIDAY, 6 NOVEMBER 2026

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Present simple or present continuous

Habits and facts or actions happening now: choose between the two present tenses.

For teachers:Download worksheet + answer key (PDF)

Explanation

Present Simple: The present simple tense is used to describe regular, habitual actions or general truths that happen in the present. It is also used for scheduled events in the future, and to express facts, opinions, or states that are true in general.

Form: The basic structure of the present simple tense is as follows:

Structure: Subject + base verb (infinitive form) + -s/-es (for third-person singular)

Examples:

  • The sun rises in the east.
  • They speak Spanish fluently.
  • She goes to school every day.
  • The concert starts at 8 PM tonight.
  • Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.

Usage

  1. Habitual actions: "I eat breakfast every morning."
  2. General truths and facts: "Cats are independent animals."
  3. Scheduled events in the future: "The meeting starts at 10 AM tomorrow."
  4. Opinions or thoughts: "I believe in hard work."
  5. States and characteristics: "He works as a teacher."

Now, let's move on to the present continuous tense.

Present Continuous: The present continuous tense is used to describe actions or situations that are happening at the moment of speaking or around the present time. It emphasises temporary actions or ongoing processes.

Form: The present continuous tense is formed using the following structure:

Structure: Subject + am/is/are + present participle (-ing form of the verb)

Examples:

  • They are studying for their exams.
  • She is cooking dinner right now.
  • We are watching a movie at the theater.
  • I am not feeling well today.
  • He is working on a new project.

Usage

  1. Actions happening at the moment of speaking: "I am writing an email."
  2. Temporary actions or situations: "She is staying with us for a few days."
  3. Ongoing processes or actions: "They are building a new house."
  4. Changing or developing situations: "The weather is getting colder."
  5. Annoyance or complaints about repeated actions: "He is always interrupting me."

It's important to note that while the present simple describes general or habitual actions, the present continuous focuses on actions happening around the present time or temporary situations.

Practice

Exercise 1

Choose the correct answer.

1. Which tense is used to describe regular, habitual actions?

2. Which tense is used to describe actions happening at the moment of speaking?

3. Which tense is used to express general truths or facts?

4. Which tense is used to express opinions, thoughts, or states that are true in general?

Exercise 2

Complete the sentences with either the present simple or the present continuous form of the verb in brackets.

1. He (play) football every Sunday.
2. They (watch) a movie right now.
3. We (go) to the park on Saturdays.
4. I (read) a book at the moment.
5. Cats (like) to climb trees.
6. She usually (wear) a hat in the summer.
7. The children (play) outside right now.
8. We (have) a picnic every month.
9. They (visit) their grandparents on weekends.
10. The chef (prepare) dinner in the kitchen at the moment.
11. The flowers (bloom) in the spring.
12. The students (listen) to the teacher now.
13. She (work) in the garden every afternoon.
14. The baby (sleep) peacefully right now.
15. He always (drink) coffee in the morning.
16. I (meet) my friends on Fridays.
17. We (go) to the beach every summer.
18. He (study) French at the moment.
19. They (travel) to different countries every year.
20. They (believe) in equal rights for everyone.