Present Simple Tense versus Present Progressive Tense

Present Simple Tense versus Present Progressive Tense

play /plays

am playing /is playing / are playing

USE

1-We use the simple present to talk about habits or routines.

*Omar lives in Riyadh. He works for a big computer company as a computer scientist.

2-We use the present progressive for actions occurring now or for a temporary situation.

*Omar is working at the Science and Technology Museum in Dubai. He is creating an exhibit named 'Computers in the Future.'

Present Progressive for the Future

We can use also use the present progressive tense to talk about arrangements and scheduled events in the future.

Q: When are they flying to Dubai?

A: They’re flying to Dubai tonight.

Q: When are the new cars coming out?

A: They're coming out next year.

Q: When is Omar leaving for Riyadh?

A: He’s flying at 9 o'clock in the morning

Time Expressions for the Future

Q: What are you going to do tomorrow?

A: I’m going to visit the museum of Science and Technology.

Q: Will she go on the school trip next week?

A: Yes, she will.

Q: Are you sitting examinations next month? A: Yes, I am. 

Make and Respond to Suggestions

To make suggestions we can use:

Let’s..../ How about ....?/ Why don’t we/ you ....?

Q: Let’s look for the hidden treasure.

A: We can’t. We don't have a map.

Q: How about making a time capsule for the school project?

A: Great idea! Let’s do it!

Q: Why don’t we design a robot to help with the cleaning?

A: Yes, why not! That sounds great!