Present forms
SIMPLE PRESENT & PRESENT
CONTINUOUS
L E
M P T
SI SEN
R E
P 1. Habits and routines
They play soccer on weekends.
I always drink my coffee at noon.
2. General truths and facts
Water boils at 100°C.
The Earth revolves around the sun.
State verbs are verbs that
3. Scheduled events ( Future form)
describe a state rather than an
The train leaves at 6 p.m.
action (e.g., like, love, hate,
The meeting starts at 5:00.
want, know, understand).
4. State verbs
She loves chocolate.
I know the answer.
CO PR
N E SE
TI N
N
BE UO T
+ US
1. Actions happening right now V
ER
B
I’m teaching English. +
IN
I’m learning English. G
2. Actions happening around now (ongoing actions)
She is learning Spanish these days.
I am working on a project this week.
3. Fixed future plans
We are meeting our friends tonight.
He is traveling to Italy next month.
FUTURE PLANS, SIMPLE PRESENT OR PRESENT CONTINUOUS???
Simple Present is generally used for fixed schedules, such as timetables, public
transportation, or planned events that are part of a set schedule.
Examples:
“The train leaves at 8 p.m.”
“The meeting starts at 10 a.m.”
So, the simple present is for
scheduled, fixed events (like a
Present Continuous is used for personal arrangements or bus timetable), while the
plans that have been decided and are likely to happen. present continuous emphasizes
Examples: arrangements or plans that
“I am meeting my friend at 5 p.m.” someone has made.
“We are going to the movies tonight.”
SIMPLE PRESENT OR PRESENT CONTINUOUS?
1. Frequency and Time Expressions
present continuous is to describe actions happening at the moment of speaking.
I am writing now.
She is studying right now.
simple present for actions that happen occasionally or as part of a routine.
I sometimes drink tea in the evening.
They sometimes visit us on weekends.
2. Temporary vs. Permanent Situations
Temporary Situations (actions happening for a limited period) use present continuous.
She is staying with a friend for a few days.
We are working late this week.
Permanent Situations (facts or long-term actions) use simple present.
I live in Tehran.
She works as a teacher.
3. Always
For Habits or Regularity: Use "always" with simple present to describe consistent actions.
He always wakes up at 6 AM.
She always brings her notebook.
For Annoyance or Surprise: Use "always" with present continuous to emphasize frequent, sometimes
irritating, actions.
You are always interrupting me!
He is always forgetting his keys!
we can also use always with present continuous to mean “very often”
He is always borrowing my books without asking! (Very often, and it’s frustrating.)
Using always with simple present mean ”every time”
He always borrows books from the library. (Every time he needs a book.)
Q
UI
Z
1. He _______ (complain) about the weather. He’s so negative!
2. She _______ (wake up) early to go for a run every morning.
3. You _______ (talk) during movies! It’s so distracting.
4. They _______ (help) others in need. It’s inspiring.
4. State verbs
We use simple present with state verbs, but we can sometimes use simple present with state verbs
as well:
1.When the State is Temporary:
She is being rude today. (Temporary behavior, not her usual personality.)
I am feeling better now. (Temporary emotion or health condition.)
2. When the State Verb Has an Action Meaning:
Certain state verbs have both state and action meanings, and when used with an .
action meaning, they can take the present continuous.
I think you’re right. (State: opinion → simple present.)
I am thinking about my plans. (Action: mental process → present continuous.)
She has a car. (State: possession → simple present.)
She is having lunch. (Action: activity → present continuous.)
3. To Show Emphasis or Change
I’m loving this movie! (Emphasizing enjoyment, informal use.)
He’s understanding the problem better now. (Describing a developing state.)
