Present simple vs Present Progressive

Simple present vs Present Progressive

By Viridiana Capetillo

Used to express actions that are in progress.
Ex:
I am working right now.
Susie is playing the guitar in her bedroom.
The baby is crying again.
We are studying English with our teacher.

​Present Progressive

Used to express hobbies, habits, routines or general facts.
Ex:
I work from Monday to Friday.
My mom cooks dinner every night.
The dog barks to strangers.
My brother and I take piano lessons at weekend.

Simple present

Affirmative
:) + am/is/are + verb(ING) + complement.

Negative
:) + am NOT/isn't/aren't + verb(ING) + complement.

Interrogative
Am/Is/Are + :) + verb(ING) + complement + ?

​Present Progressive

Affirmative
:) + verb + complement.
* add "s" for 3rd person.

Negative
:) + don't/doesn't + verb + complement.

Interrogative
Do/ Does + :) + verb + complement + ?

Simple present

Affirmative
I am cooking pasta.
My dad is working right now.
We are trying to understand.
Negative
He isn't paying attention.
I'm not listening.
Interrogative
Are you doing homework? YES, I am. / NO, I'm not.

​Present Progressive

Affirmative
I go to school every day.
My sister goes to school every day.

Negative
We don't like carrots.
My mom doesn't like onion.
Interrogative
Do you play the drums?

Does your sister work in a hospital?

Simple present

Multiple Choice

She __________ (sing) very well. She takes music lessons.

• sing

• sings

• is singing

• singing

Multiple Choice

We _________ ( work) right now.

• work

• works

• are working

• working

Multiple Choice

I ____________ (not teach) French, I teach English.

• don't teach

• doesn't teach

• am not teaching

• not teaching

Multiple Choice

My mom ___________(not watch) T.V now, she is washing the dishes.

• don't watch

• doesn't watch

• isn't watching

• not watching

Multiple Choice

We _________ (have breakfast) at 7.00 in the morning, but just for today we _________ (have breakfast) at 9.00.

• has breakfast/having

• are having/are having

• have/are having

• doesn't have/not having