1. Present simple vs Present Progressive

2. One after another or at the same time?
I bake
One after another or at the same time?
In general or right now?
then I eat and drink
I’m baking
And I’m listening to music

3. We are going to the cinema tonight, at 8 pm.
The film starts at 8 pm.
We are going to the cinema tonight, at 8 pm.
Schedule or arrangement?

4. Daily routine or just for a limited period of time?
I go to school by bus ? ?
I’m going to school by bus today

5. state: be, cost, fit, mean, suit Example: We are on holiday.
Certain Verbs
The following verbs are usually only used in Simple Present (not in the progressive form).
state: be, cost, fit, mean, suit
Example: We are on holiday.
possession: belong, have
Example: Sam has a cat.
senses: feel, hear, see, smell, taste, touch
Example: He feels the cold.
feelings: hate, hope, like, love, prefer, regret, want, wish Example: Jane loves pizza.
brain work: believe, know, think, understand
Example: I believe you.
Introductory clauses for direct speech: answer, ask, reply, say
Example: “I am watching TV,“ he says.

6. Present perfect vs Present perfect continuous

7. Result or duration? I have written 5 letters.
I have been writing for 2 hours.

8. Emphasis on completion or duration?
I have been doing my homework
What have you been doing?
I have done my homework

9. Result or side effect? I have washed the car. Why are you so wet?
I have been washing the car.

10. Permanent or temporary?
Present Perfect Simple
Present Perfect Progressive
Permanent
James has lived in this town for 10 years. (Meaning: He is a permanent resident of this town.)
temporary
James has been living here for a year. (Meaning: This situation is only temporary. Maybe he is an exchange student and only here for one or two years.)

11. state: be, have (for possession only)
Certain verbs
The following verbs are usually only used in Present Perfect Simple (not in the progressive form).
state: be, have (for possession only)
Example: We have been on holiday for two weeks.
senses: feel, hear, see, smell, taste, touch Example: He has touched the painting.
brain work: believe, know, think, understand Example: I have known him for 3 years.

12. Present Perfect vs Past simple

13. Certain event in the past or how often so far?
Simple Past
Present Perfect Simple
certain event in the past
Example: He went to Canada last summer.
Not at a specific time
Example: Have you ever been to Canada? /

14. Certain event or unspecific event in the past ?
???
We went to Canada
last summer.
We have been to Canada
twice.

15. Emphasis on action or result?
Simple Past
Present Perfect Simple
Emphasis on action
I bought a new bike. (just telling what I did in the past.)
Emphasis on result
I have bought a new bike. (With this sentence I actually want to express that I have a new bike now.)

16. Signal Words just already yesterday up to now ... ago
Simple Past
Present Perfect Simple
yesterday
... ago
in 1990
the other day
last ...
just
already
up to now
until now / till now
ever
(not) yet
so far
lately / recently