Understanding Present Simple and Present Continuous

This Mini English lesson explains the differences between the present simple and present continuous tenses. The present simple is used for general truths, repeated actions, instructions, and fixed future plans. Examples include 'Beyoncé is an icon' and 'My plane leaves in half an hour.' The present continuous is used for actions happening now, newly formed habits, and future plans with time words, such as 'I'm filming a lesson' and 'I'm leaving tomorrow.' The lesson concludes with a summary and a call to action to like, comment, and subscribe.

What is an example of a general truth in the present simple tense?

• I am eating a lot these days.

• I am leaving tomorrow.

• I am filming a lesson.

• Beyoncé is an icon.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1E

CCSS.L.4.1B

CCSS.L.5.1.B-D

CCSS.L.5.1C

CCSS.L.5.1D

Which of the following is a habit expressed in the present simple tense?

• I have gone to the gym.

• I will go to the gym tomorrow.

• I am going to the gym now.

• I go to the gym twice a week.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1E

CCSS.L.4.1B

CCSS.L.5.1.B-D

CCSS.L.5.1C

CCSS.L.5.1D

How is the present simple tense used for instructions?

• By stating commands directly, like 'do this'.

• By adding 'ed' to the verb.

• By using 'to be' and '-ing'.

• By using 'will' before the verb.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1E

CCSS.L.4.1B

CCSS.L.5.1.B-D

CCSS.L.5.1C

CCSS.L.5.1D

Which sentence shows a fixed future plan using the present simple tense?

• I will leave soon.

• I am leaving tomorrow.

• My plane leaves in half an hour.

• I have left already.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1E

CCSS.L.4.1B

CCSS.L.5.1.B-D

CCSS.L.5.1C

CCSS.L.5.1D

What is the structure of the present continuous tense?

• Subject + base verb

• Subject + will + base verb

• Subject + have + past participle

• Subject + is/am/are + base verb + -ing

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1E

CCSS.L.4.1B

CCSS.L.5.1.B-D

CCSS.L.5.1C

CCSS.L.5.1D

Which sentence describes an action happening right now using the present continuous tense?

• I eat breakfast every day.

• I am eating breakfast now.

• I will eat breakfast later.

• I ate breakfast yesterday.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1E

CCSS.L.4.1B

CCSS.L.5.1.B-D

CCSS.L.5.1C

CCSS.L.5.1D

How is the present continuous tense used to describe a newly formed habit?

• By using 'have' and past participle.

• By using 'will' before the verb.

• By using 'used to' before the verb.

• By using 'am/is/are' and '-ing' to show a change in behavior.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1E

CCSS.L.4.1B

CCSS.L.5.1.B-D

CCSS.L.5.1C

CCSS.L.5.1D

Which sentence uses the present continuous tense to describe a future plan with a time word?

• I left yesterday.

• I will leave tomorrow.

• I am leaving tomorrow.

• I leave tomorrow.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1E

CCSS.L.4.1B

CCSS.L.5.1.B-D

CCSS.L.5.1C

CCSS.L.5.1D