Present simple vs present continuous

Introduction

The Present Simple and Present Continuous tenses are essential for describing different kinds of actions in English. While the Present Simple is used for habitual or regular actions, the Present Continuous describes actions happening right now or temporarily.

Present Simple

Form

• Positive: Subject + base verb (add -s for he/she/it).
• Negative: Subject + do not (don’t) / does not (doesn’t) + base verb.
• Question: Do/Does + Subject + base verb?

Examples

• She works every day.
• She work every day.
• Do they play football?
• Does they play football?

Usage

We use the Present Simple for:

• Habits and routines: I drink coffee every morning.
• Facts and general truths: Water boils at 100°C.
• Timetables or schedules: The train leaves at 8 PM.

Present Continuous

Form

• Positive: Subject + am/is/are + verb + -ing.
• Negative: Subject + am not/is not/are not + verb + -ing.
• Question: Am/Is/Are + Subject + verb + -ing?

Examples

• I am reading a book now.
• I reading a book now.
• Are they playing football?
• They are play football?

Usage

We use the Present Continuous for:

• Actions happening now: He is cooking dinner.
• Temporary situations: She is staying with her friend for a week.
• Future arrangements: I am meeting them tomorrow.

Present Simple vs Present Continuous

Key Differences

Present Simple	Present Continuous
Regular or habitual actions.	Actions happening now or temporarily.
General truths and facts.	Future arrangements.
I work on weekdays.	I am working on a project this week.

Common Mistakes

• She is knowing the answer. (She knows the answer.)
• He play football every weekend. (He plays football every weekend.)

Practice

Try to create your own sentences using both tenses. Pay attention to when to use each tense and avoid the common mistakes shown above!