Use the simple present for actions that happen in general.
Use the present continuous for actions happening at the moment or current/temporary projects.
Present Simple |
Present Continuous |
I work from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. | I’m currently working on a new project. |
Mark studies English every day. | Mark is studying the present continuous at the moment. |
We usually go to Europe in the summer. | Right now, we’re going to the supermarket. |
They always talk to their boss in the morning. | They’re talking to him now. |
Does it usually rain in the winter? | No, but it’s raining now. Take an umbrella. |
These words can help you know if the sentence needs simple present or present continuous:
Simple Present:
- Always
- Usually
- Often
- Sometimes
- Never
- Every (day/night/year/summer/winter)
Present Continuous:
- Now
- Right now
- At the moment
- Currently
- This week/month/year
- Today
Learn more English verb tenses: past, present, future, simple, perfect, continuous!
Present Simple or Present Continuous?
Question 1 |
"To my grandmother's house - see you later!"
do you go | |
are you going |
Question 2 |
do you clean | |
are you cleaning |
Question 3 |
I don't drive | |
I'm not driving |
Question 4 |
isn't knowing | |
doesn't know |
Question 5 |
she doesn't wear | |
she's not wearing |
Question 6 |
plays | |
is playing |
Question 7 |
I try | |
I'm trying |
Question 8 |
is running | |
runs |
Question 9 |
"______________ a shower."
She's taking | |
She takes |
Question 10 |
working / he doesn't work | |
work / he not working | |
works / he's not working |
Question 11 |
gives | |
is giving |
Question 12 |
go | |
are going |
Question 13 |
don't eat | |
aren't eating |
Question 14 |
are you having | |
do you have |
Question 15 |
"She's baking a cake."
's she doing | |
she does |