Present Simple or Present Continous?

The present simple The simple present is used less in English than it is in other languages. The main uses are: Habits– things done on a regular basis States– things which are true and do not change To form the present simple of regular verbs simply use the root for for I, you, we, and they. For he/she/it you must add s. I walkWe walk You walk He/she/it walksThey walk

Habits Habitual actions are recognizable because of key words: Usually– I usually eat lunch at noon. Always– I always take the trash out when it’s full. Regularly– He flosses his teeth regularly. Normally—They normally buy their lunch here. Every day/week/month – Every day he takes the bus. On Mondays/Thursdays/Sundays– On Mondays Paul plays squash with his friends. Often– We get together often. Never– The never wash their socks.

State These are things that are true. Water becomes ice at 0 degrees celsius. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Paco lives in Madrid. My mother has straight hair. They like to read fashion magazines. Children believe in Santa Claus.

The present continuous The present continuous is used to describe two main types of events: Temporary action– ongoing at the moment but will stop A definite plan for the future—something that someone is going to do To form the present continuous, use a form of the verb to be plus a present participle (-ing form of the verb)

Temporary action If someone is actively engaged in an activity, the present continuous describes the action. He is eating his lunch right now. The children are studying at home. It’s raining again! My favorite team is winning the game.

Future plans The present continuous can also be used to talk about definite plans for the future. I am swimming with my sister later on. My brother is leaving his job next week. He is going to that party tonight.

Do you know? Decide whether the sentence needs the present simple or the present continuous. 1. I eat/am eating lunch at 12:30 on Tuesdays. 2. He goes/is going to class now. 3. That man believes/is believing in Creationism. 4. They go/are going to Delft tomorrow. 5. Elmo is quite fit; he rides/is riding his bike all the time. 6. It rains/is raining every day! What dreary weather. 7. He thinks/is thinking about retiring.