Present simple vs Present continuous

Present simple vs Present continuous

1. Use of the Simple Present

   • Repeated actions
     • Things in general
       • Fixed arrangements, scheduled events
         • Sequence of actions in the present
           • Instructions
             • With special verbs
               • I understand English.
             • Open your books at page 34.
           • First I get up, then I have breakfast.
         • The plane flies to London every Monday.
       • The sun rises in the east.
     • My friend often draws nice posters.
   • Signal words
     • Every day
       • Often
         • Always
           • Sometimes
             • Never
   • Form
     • Infinitive (3rd person singular he, she, it: infinitive + -s)
   • Examples
     • Affirmative sentences in the Simple Present
       • Long forms
         • I read books.
           • You read books.
             • He reads books.
       • Contracted forms
         • Not possible
     • Negative sentences in the Simple Present
       • Do not negates a main verb in English. Always use the auxiliary do for negations and the infinitive of the verb.
         • Long forms
           • I do not clean the room.
             • You do not clean the room.
               • He does not clean the room.
         • Contracted forms
           • I don't clean the room.
             • You don't clean the room.
               • He doesn't clean the room.
     • Questions in the Simple Present
       • You need the auxiliary do/does and the infinitive of the verb.
         • Long forms
           • Do I play football?
             • Do you play football?
               • Does he play football?
         • Contracted forms
           • not possible

2. Use of the Present Progressive

   • Actions happening at the moment of speaking
     • Fixed plans in the near future
       • Temporary actions
         • Actions happening around the moment of speaking (longer actions)
           • Trends
             • Repeated actions which are irritating to the speaker (with always, constantly, forever)
               • Andrew is always coming late.
             • More and more people are using their computers to listen to music.
           • My friend is preparing for his exams.
         • I am working in Rome this month.
       • We are going to Basel on Saturday.
     • Peter is reading a book now.
   • Signal words
     • Now
       • At the moment
         • Look!
           • Listen!
   • Form
     • To be (am, are, is) + Infinitiv + -ing
   • Examples
     • Affirmative sentences in the Present Progressive
       • Long forms
         • I am playing football.
           • You are playing football.
             • He is playing football.
       • Contracted forms
         • I'm playing football.
           • You're playing football.
             • He's playing football.
     • Negative sentences in the Present Progressive
       • Long forms
         • I am not playing football.
           • You are not playing football.
             • He is not playing football.
       • Contracted forms
         • I'm not playing football.
           • You're not playing football. You aren't playing football.
             • He's not playing football. He isn't playing football.
     • Questions in the Present Progressive
       • Long forms
         • Am I playing football?
           • Are you playing football?
             • Is he playing football?
       • Contracted forms
         • Not possible