Present simple vs present continuous. Rules

The water is boiling. Can you turn it off?

• to suggest that an action is temporary

• happening at or around the time of speaking

• to state general truths

Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.

• an action around the time of speaking

• for changing or developing situations

• to state general truths

Listen to those people. What language are they speaking?

• to talk about the present moment

• to talk about habits and how often they happen

• for permanent situations

Excuse me, do you speak English?

• for temporary situations

• for things in general

• for an action around the time of speaking

They eat lunch at two o’clock.

• to suggest that an action is temporary

• to talk about the present moment

• take place regularly or happen repeatedly

I’m working in London this week.

• to talk about habits

• for temporary situations

• to state general truths

My parents live in London. They have lived there all their lives.

• for permanent situations

• to talk about habits

• for temporary situations

Is your English getting better?

• to talk about the present moment

• for changing or developing situations around now

• for things in general

You're always playing computer games. You should do something more active.

• to suggest that an action is temporary

• to talk about the present moment

• to criticise or complain