Use the simple present for actions that happen in general.
Use the present continuous for actions happening at the moment or current/temporary projects.
| Present Simple | Present Continuous |
| I work from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. | I’m currently working on a new project. |
| Mark studies English every day. | Mark is studying the present continuous at the moment. |
| We usually go to Europe in the summer. | Right now, we’re going to the supermarket. |
| They always talk to their boss in the morning. | They’re talking to him now. |
| Does it usually rain in the winter? | No, but it’s raining now. Take an umbrella. |
These words can help you know if the sentence needs simple present or present continuous:
Simple Present:
- Always
- Usually
- Often
- Sometimes
- Never
- Every (day/night/year/summer/winter)
Present Continuous:
- Now
- Right now
- At the moment
- Currently
- This week/month/year
- Today
Present Simple Or Present Continuous?
Amanda and Oscar always ________ to the gym after work.
Rita _________ how to ride a bike.
| A | doesn’t know |
| B | isn’t knowing |
How often _______________ your house?
| A | do you clean |
| B | are you cleaning |
My cousin never _________ me a birthday present.
My colleagues normally ____________ lunch in the office.
How many children ____________?
| A | do you have |
| B | are you having |
Please turn down the music; _____________ to study.
“Where’s mom?”
“______________ a shower.”
“Yes, I can talk now. ____________________.”
| A | I’m not driving |
| B | I don’t drive |
Jane is cold because ______________ a jacket.
| A | she’s not wearing |
| B | she doesn’t wear |
Watch out! Your son _____________ into the street!
My husband ____________ tennis three times a week.
“Where _____________?”
“To my grandmother’s house – see you later!”
“What _____________?”
“She’s baking a cake.”
He normally _________ every weekday, but today _____________ because it’s a holiday.
| A | works / he’s not working |
| B | working / he doesn’t work |
| C | work / he not working |
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