Present simple vs. present continuous

​Present simple or present continuous?

​Present simple

​We use present simple when something happens regularly. Routines, normal things.

• every day, every week, every Monday, every year

• always, often, usually, sometimes, never

• on Mondays, in the mornings

I play violin on Wednesdays. I have lessons.

He always eats his lunch at school.

Multiple Choice

He _____ a shower in the evenings.

• take

• takes

• is having

• are having

Multiple Choice

She ____ her hair every morning.

• brushes

• brush

• is brushing

• are brushing

Present continuous

​We use preset continuous for things that are happening right now.

Now, right now, at the moment.

Context clues
Look out of the window! It is snowing. (= it's snowing right now)

Shh, be quiet. The baby is sleeping. (= it's sleeping right now)
Paul can't play with you. He is eating his dinner. ( = he's eating right now)

Multiple Choice

He can't talk to you now, he _____ a shower.

• take

• takes

• is having

• are having

Multiple Choice

Look! She ____ her hair now.

• brushes

• brush

• is brushing

• are brushing