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The use
Present Simple Present Continuous
A permanent state or situation: A temporary situation
e.g. I live work in the town where I live. e.g. I am living with my uncle while they are painting the house.
A fact or something which is always true: An activity happening at the present moment
e.g. The earth goes around the sun. e.g. I am sorry, you can’t talk to her at the moment. She is having a
shower.
Present actions happening one after another. A situation which is changing or developing:
e.g. I go to the gym, then I have a shower e.g. Lots of people are coming to live here, so the town is growing
quickly.
Signal words: Signal words:
always, every…, often, normally, usually, sometimes, seldom, at the moment, at this moment, today, now, right now, listen!,
never, first, then… look!...
state verbs: the verbs which describe a state and not an action
are usually only used in present simple. e.g. to smell, to feel, to “Always” when the speaker wants to express that something is
think, to consist, to be, etc. That is said, verbs which express strange, annoying or simply interesting or exceptional
thoughts, feelings, senses, possession or existence. e.g. You are always telling me what I have to do
(some exceptions: I am thinking about what you said. (I am e.g. My boyfriend is always cooking me special meals!
considering it)/ I am feeling unhappy (How I am at the moment)