Present simple or present continuous?
Choose between the present simple (habits, facts) and the present continuous (now, temporary) — and learn which verbs aren’t used in the continuous.
In this lesson you will
- Compare habits and actions in progress
- Recognise state verbs
- Choose the right tense in context
Learn
Present simple: habits, routines, facts, permanent situations — I work in a bank. Water boils at 100 °C.
Present continuous: now, around now, temporary — I’m working from home this week.
Compare: He usually drives* to work, but today he’s taking the train.*
State verbs (feelings, thoughts, possession, senses) are normally not continuous: like, love, hate, want, need, know, understand, believe, remember, own, belong, seem. Say I know (not I’m knowing).
| Present simple | Present continuous |
|---|---|
| always, usually, every day | now, at the moment, this week |
| I live in Madrid. | I’m living in Madrid for a year. |
| She speaks Italian. | She’s speaking Italian now. |
Examples
- I don’t usually wear a suit, but I’m wearing one today.
- What do you do? — I’m a nurse.
- What are you doing? — I’m making tea.
- I understand now, thanks!
Vocabulary
usually
most of the time
state verb
a verb for a state, not an action (know, like)
permanent
lasting for a long time
belong
be owned by
“This bag belongs to Ana.”
seem
appear to be
“You seem tired.”
Practice
I ___ coffee every morning.
Speaking
Compare your normal week with this week: “Usually I… but this week I’m…”. Make five sentences.
Writing
Write about your job or studies: what you usually do, and what you are doing differently this month (60–80 words).
Lesson quiz
What ___ you usually do on Sundays?
Review
Key points
- Simple = habits, facts; continuous = now, temporary.
- State verbs (know, like, want…) aren’t usually continuous.
- Signal words help choose.
What you learned
- ✓ I can choose between the two present tenses.
- ✓ I know common state verbs.
- ✓ I can compare normal and temporary situations.
Grammar reference: Present simple, Present continuous