How to use Present Simple and Present Continuous in English can feel confusing. Let’s look at it all together to get a bigger picture and clear up some common errors.
The Present Simple
Why we use it: to talk about routines, habits, and that things that are always true
An example of how to use it with normal verbs:
Affirmative: I understand.
Negative: I do not understand.
Question: Do you understand?
Am example of how to use it with the verb to be:
Affirmative: I am a doctor.
Negative: I am not a doctor.
Question: Are you a doctor?
The Present Continuous
Why we use it: to talk about things that occurring in the moment and are temporary
Examples of how to use it:
Affirmative: I am feeling relaxed.
Negative: I am not feeling relaxed.
Question: Are you feeling relaxed?
Affirmative: I am walking to work now.
Negative: I am not walking to work these days.
Question: Are you walking to work tomorrow?
Let’s figure it out together with examples.
1.) Add ‘have’ or ‘are having’ to the sentences.
We ___ English class every week.
We ___ a class on this topic right now.
2.) Add ‘rains’ or ‘is raining’ to the sentences.
It ___ today.
It always ___ in the spring.
Let’s do an exercise for you to practice and deepen your understanding.
Select one Present Simple and one Present Continuous in each sentence.
What do you want to learn next?
