PRESENT SIMPLE VS. PRESENT CONTINUOUS



-> Present Continuous

Form

am/ is/ are + present participle


Uses

Now:
Use the Present Continuous with Normal Verbs to express the idea that something is happening now, at this very moment. It can also be used to show that something is not happening now.

Longer Actions in Progress now:
In English, "now" can mean: this second, today, this month, this year, this century, and so on. Sometimes, we use the Present Continuous to say that we are in the process of doing a longer action which is in progress; however, we might not be doing it at this exact second.

Near Future:
Sometimes, speakers use the Present Continuous to indicate that something will or will not happen in the near future.

Repetition and Irritation with Always:
The Present Continuous with words such as "always" or "constantly" expresses the idea that something irritating or shocking often happens. Notice that the meaning is like Simple Present, but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words "always" or "constantly" between "be" and "verb+ing."


Examples

• They are reading their books.
• They are not watching television.
• I am not reading any books right now.
• Are you working on any special projects at work?
• Aren't you teaching at the university now?
• Is he visiting his parents next weekend?
• Isn't he coming with us tonight?
• She is always coming to class late.
• He is constantly talking. I wish he would shut up.
• I don't like them because they are always complaining.

-> Present Simple


Form

Verb + s/es in third person


Uses

Repeated Actions:
Use the Present Simple to express the idea that an action is repeated or usual. The action can be a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens. It can also be something a person often forgets or usually does not do.

Facts of Generalizations:
The Present Simple can also indicate the speaker believes that a fact was true before, is true now, and will be true in the future. It is not important if the speaker is correct about the fact. It is also used to make generalizations about people or things.

Scheduled Events in the Near Future:
Speakers occasionally use Present Simple to talk about scheduled events in the near future. This is most commonly done when talking about public transportation, but it can be used with other scheduled events as well.

Now (Non-Continuous Verbs):
Speakers sometimes use the Present Simple to express the idea that an action is happening or is not happening now. This can only be done with Non-Contiuous Verbs and certain Mixed Verbs.

Examples

• The train leaves every morning at 8 AM.
• The train does not leave at 9 AM.
• When does the train usually leave?
  
• California is in America.
• California is not in the United Kingdom.
• Windows are made of glass.
• The train leaves tonight at 6 PM.
• The bus does not arrive at 11 AM, it arrives at 11 PM.
• When do we board the plane?
• He has his passport in his hand.
• Do you have your passport with you

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