Simple Present vs.

Present
Continuous
T. LUTIDZE
2020
Look at an example:
 When to use:
• The simple present is used for permanent actions, to describe daily
events, facts or as a narrative form for stories that take place in the
present.
• The present progressive is used for temporary actions and to describe
what is happening at the moment of speaking.
 See the difference:
Simple Present Present Progressive

Actions that are in progress at the moment of speaking

Actions that occur according to an official schedule or Actions that occur at a time that is personally arranged or
program organized
Example: The train leaves at 15:12 and arrives in Example: At 6 pm they are meeting Ben’s aunt in
Brighton at 16:45. Brighton.
Permanent actions that occur regularly with signal words Temporary actions that occur for a short or fixed time
such as always, often, never period
Example: She studies law in London. They always go on Example: She is working as a waitress in Brighton during
holiday by train. the summer holiday.
 Signal Words:
Present Simple Present Continuous
always I always take the train to work. I live in France but at the moment I'm working in
at the moment
London.
every
My grandma watches the news every evening. currently He’s currently living in Australia.
day/month...
I’m staying with a friend for now but I’m looking
first First cook the onions in some oil. for now
for my own place.
hardly ever I hardly ever go to bed after twelve o’clock.
Listen! Listen! They are playing my favourite song!
never You can never find your keys when you're in a hurry.
normally It normally rains in the UK. Look! Look! The kids are dancing!
often We often go to the cinema. now Now we’re planning a bigger party.
rarely I rarely drink wine, I prefer beer.
right now Right now I’m working on a new project.
I sometimes meet friends after work if the weather is
sometimes
good. this week/summer... He’s travelling around Europe this summer.
then First fry the onions in some oil, then add the garlic.
today Today people are watching more online content.
usually My dad usually watches the football at the weekend.
Do not use these verbs in the Present Progressive:
· stative verbs Example:
be*, cost, fit, mean, remain, suit They are on holiday.
· verbs that show possession/belonging Example:
belong, have* The luggage belongs to the family.
· verbs of sensation Example:
feel*, hear, see*, smell*, taste*, touch They hear the loudspeaker announcement.
· verbs that express emotions Example:
hate, hope, like, love, prefer, regret, want, wish Ben loves going by train.
· verbs of thought and recognition Example:
believe, know, realise, recognise, seem, think*, understand He knows where they have to get off the train.
These stative verbs change their meaning in
Present Progressive:
Stative Form Progressive Form
Verb Meaning Example Meaning Example
in particular He’s having a good
have possession He has two suitcases.
expressions time.
opinion I feel that’s a bad idea. feel (health) He’s not feeling well.
I’m feeling inside my
feel It feels like you have a
feel (sense) touch suitcase to find my
temperature.
passport.
be together with Nigel and Beatrice are
sight I see the train coming.
somebody seeing each other.
see
have an appointment We’re seeing our aunty
understand I see what you mean.
or meeting this afternoon.
These stative verbs change their meaning in
Present Progressive:
Stative Form Progressive Form
Verb Meaning Example Meaning Example
You smell like a smell something Why are you smelling
smell smell (sense)
summer breeze. (action) your sunglasses?
I am tasting the soup to
This soup tastes
taste taste (sense) try, test (action) see if it’s been
delicious.
poisoned.
I think it’s going to be What are you thinking
think think, believe contemplate
hot today. about?
She is happy about the
be state deliberate behavior She is being silly.
holiday.
QUESTIONS?

• LET’S CHECK IN PRACTICE!