Present Simple And Present Continuous

Present Simple And Present Continuous

When and how do we use them?

Present Simple

Different uses

Multiple Choice

Why do we say this?

The sun rises in the east.

The bus doesn't go past my house.

• to mention a fact that is true all the time

• to refer to a habit or a routine

Open Ended

Can you give an example of a fact that is true all the time?

Multiple Choice

Why do we say this?

I study for about an hour a week.

We never get much homework.

• to mention an opinion or belief

• to mention a habit or routine

Open Ended

Can you give an example of habits and routines?

Multiple Choice

Why do we say this?

Do you agree?

I don't know the answer.

• to state opinions and beliefs

• to state facts which are true all the time

Open Ended

Can you give an example of opinions and beliefs?

Present Continuous

Different uses

Multiple Choice

Why do we say this?

Why are you carrying an umbrella?

It's not raining.

• to speak about an action that is in progress in the moment

• future arrangements

Open Ended

Can you give an example to speak about an action in progress at the moment of speaking?

Multiple Choice

Why do we say this?

He's studying Russian at the moment.

• for a future arrangement

• for a situation around the moment of speaking

Open Ended

Can you give an example about an action happening around the moment of speaking?

Multiple Choice

Why do we say this?

I'm meeting Andrew tonight.

• for a future arrangement

• for an action in progress at the moment of speaking

Open Ended

Can you give an example for a future arrangement?

States and actions

• Be careful with states and actions. The Present Simple is not normally used to describe:

• Metal states: know, agree, understand, believe, etc...

• Likes and preferences: like, want, love, hate, need, prefer, etc...

• Other states: be, own, belong, forget, hear, seem, depend, etc...

Special Cases

Some verbs (e.g. think, see, have) can be used as states or action with different meanings.

State: I think you're wrong. (my opinion)

Action: I'm thinking about my birthday (a mental process)

Open Ended

Make an example of a state with 'think'

Open Ended

Make an example of an action with 'think'

State: I see what you mean (I understand)

Action: I'm seeing a doctor tomorrow (I'm meeting him/her)

Open Ended

Make an example of a state with 'see'

Open Ended

Make an example of an action with 'see'

State: I have a car (possession)

Action: I'm having a party tomorrow (future arrangement)

Open Ended

Make an example of a state with 'have'

Open Ended

Make an example of an action with 'have'

The End