Beginner ๐Ÿ“ Grammar ยท #219 of 305

Present Simple vs Present Continuous

Simple = habits; continuous = happening now.

Examples

  • I drink tea every day.
  • I am drinking tea now.

Key rules

  • Present simple is for habits and permanent facts; present continuous (be + -ing) is for actions now or around now
  • Time words: every day, usually (simple) and now, at the moment (continuous)
  • Continuous can also show temporary situations (I am staying with a friend)
  • Stative verbs do not use the continuous

Common mistakes

  • I am going to school every day โ†’ I go to school every day
  • She reads now โ†’ She is reading now
๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Ask: is it a habit or is it happening now?

Related Beginner topics

See all Beginner grammar lessons โ†’