Tenses: Present Simple and Continuous Grammar Tenses: Present Simple and Continuous

Present simple -------------------- I do --------------------- past now future FORM [VERB] + s/es in third person

USE 1 Repeated Actions (habit) Use the Simple Present 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. ex: I play tennis She always forgets her purse.

USE 2 Facts or Generalizations The Simple Present can also be used in talking about facts. It is not important if the speaker is correct about the fact. It is also used to make generalizations about people or things. Cats like milk. California is in America. Windows are made of glass. New York is a small city. It is not important that this fact is untrue.

(Time table) USE 3 Scheduled Events in the Near Future Speakers occasionally use Simple Present 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. The train leaves tonight at 6 PM. The bus does not arrive at 11 AM, it arrives at 11 PM. The movie starts at 9 o'clock.

USE 4 Non-Continuous Verbs See hear smell taste (senses) We normally use the present simple (not continuous) with these verbs: Do you see that man over there ? (Not are you seeing) This room smells. Lets open the window. We often use can + see/hear/smell/taste: Listen! can you hear something?

Promise, apologise, advise, insist, agree, refuse I promise I won’t be late. (not I’m promising.) “What do you suggest I do?” “I suggest that you…..”

Understand, remember, know, believe, think, like I think I know you. I remember her. I understand why she is nervous. I believe your words. I like your dress.

Look and feel But you can use the continuous with see (I’m seeing) when the meaning is having a meeting with. I’m seeing the manager tomorrow morning.

You can use the present simple or continuous when you say how somebody looks or feels now: You look well today. Or You’re looking well today. How do you feel now? Or How are you feeling now? But I usually feel tired in the morning. (Not I’m usually feeling.)

Present progressive (continuous) tense I’m doing past now future Use the continuous for something that is happening at or around the time of speaking. The action is not finished.

Present continuous Present simple The water is boiling. Can you turn it off? Water boils at 100 degree Celsius. Listen to those people. What language are they speaking? Excuse me, do you speak English? Let’s go out. It isn’t raining now. It doesn’t rain very much in summer. “Don’t disturb me. I’m busy.” “Why? What are you doing?” What do you usually do at weekends? What do you do? (= What’s your job?) I’m going to bed now. Goodnight! I always go to bed before midnight. Maria is in Britain at the moment. She’s learning English. Most people learn to swim when they are children.

Present continuous Present simple Use the continuous for a temporary situation Use the simple for a permanent situation I’m living with some friends until I find a flat. My parents live in London. They have lived there all their lives. “You’re working hard today.” “Yes, I’ve got a lot to do.” John isn’t lazy. He works very hard most of the time.