Present Simple vs Present Continuous: Easy Guide + Examples

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Why These Two Tenses Are Confusing

For many learners, Present Simple y Present Continuous feel almost the same. Both describe something happening in the present. But their logic is different. Once you see the difference, you won’t mix them again.

Present Simple — Facts and Habits

We use Present Simple for:

• Facts / general truths:
  • The Earth orbits the Sun.
  • Water boils at 100°C.
• Habits / routines:
  • I wake up at 7 every day.
  • She usually goes to the gym on Mondays.
• Schedules (fixed):
  • The train leaves at 9:15.
  • The lesson starts at 6 p.m.

👉 Signal words: always, usually, often, sometimes, never, every day, on Mondays.

Present Continuous — Actions Right Now

We use Present Continuous for:

• Something happening right now:
  • I am writing this article.
  • They are watching TV at the moment.
• Temporary actions:
  • She is living in London for a few months.
• Changing situations / trends:
  • More people are using online courses this year.
• Future plans (arrangements):
  • I am meeting my friend tomorrow.

👉 Signal words: now, at the moment, right now, today, this week, these days.

Stative Verbs: You Can’t Use Them in -ing

Some verbs describe states, not actions. They normally do no appear in the continuous form:

• States of mind: know, understand, believe, remember
• Emotions: like, love, hate, prefer
• Possession: have (own), belong, own
• Senses: see, hear, taste, smell

❌ I am knowing the answer.
✔️ I know the answer.

Quick Comparison Table

Mini Quiz

Choose the correct form:

1. Right now, I ___ (read) a book.
   → am reading
2. She always ___ (wear) black clothes.
   → wears
3. Look! It ___ (snow) outside.
   → is snowing
4. He ___ (not like) spicy food.
   → does not like (not: is not liking)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ I am know the answer.
✔️ I know the answer.

❌ She go to school now.
✔️ She is going to school now.

❌ They are usually playing football on Sundays.
✔️ They usually play football on Sundays.

FAQ

Q: Can I say “I am knowing”?
A: No. Know is a stative verb — use Present Simple: I know the answer.

Q: Why do we sometimes use “always” with Present Continuous?
A: To show irritation or surprise: He is always losing his keys!

Q: Can Present Continuous describe the future?
A: Yes, for arrangements: I am meeting my boss tomorrow.

Final Tips

• Present Simple = habits, facts, schedules.
• Present Continuous = now, temporary, changing, or planned.
• Watch stative verbs!

Más información

Want to go deeper into the logic of grammar? Read this article from the expert column:
👉 Deja de memorizar. Empieza a pensar.

© Author’s concept by Tymur Levitin — founder, director, and lead teacher of Escuela de idiomas Levitin (Start Language School by Tymur Levitin).