PRESENT SIMPLE

FORM

 the infinite verb (play) with the personal pronouns I, you, we and they (or with the plural form
of nouns)
 the verb + s (plays) with the personal pronouns he, she, it (or with the singular form of nouns)

affirmative negative question

I/you/we/they I play. I do not play.(long form) Do I play?

I don’t play.

he/she/it He plays. He does not play.(long form) Does he play?

He doesn’t play.

The present simple is used to talk about actions we see as long term or permanent. It is very common
and very important.

In these examples, we are talking about regular actions or events.

 I drive to work every day.

 She doesn't come very often.
 The games usually start at 8.00 in the evening.
 What do you usually have for breakfast?

In these examples, we are talking about facts.

 Water freezes at 0° C or 32° F.

 I have three children.
 What does this word mean?
 I don't have any of my original teeth left.

In these examples, we are talking about future facts, usually found in a timetable or a chart.

 The plane leaves at 5.00 tomorrow morning.

 Christmas Day falls on a Sunday this year.
 Ramadan doesn't begin for another 2 weeks.
 Does the class begin this week or next?

In these examples, we are talking about our thoughts and feelings at the time of speaking. Notice that,
although these feelings can be short-term, we use the present simple and not the present continuous.

 I think you are wrong.

 She doesn't want to do it.
 They don't agree with us.
 Do you understand what I am trying to say.
 PRESENT CONTINUOUS

FORM

 am with the personal pronoun I

 is with the personal pronouns he, she or it (or the singular form of nouns)
 are with the personal pronouns you, we, they (or the plural form of nouns)

  affirmative negative question

I I am playing. I am not playing.(long form) Am I playing?

I’m not playing.

he, she, it He is playing. He is not playing.(long form) Is he playing?

He isn’t playing.

you, we, You are playing. You are not playing.(long form) Are you playing?

they
You aren’t playing.

The present continuous is used to talk about present situations which we see as short-term or
temporary . We use the present simple to talk about present situations which we see as long-term or
permanent.

In these examples, the action is taking place at the time of speaking.

 It's raining.
 Who is Kate talking to on the phone?
 Look, somebody is trying to steal that man's wallet.
 I'm not looking. My eyes are closed tightly.

In these examples, the action is true at the present time but we don't think it will be true in the long
term.

 I'm looking for a new apartment.

 He's thinking about leaving his job.
 They're considering making an appeal against the judgment.
 Are you getting enough sleep?

In these examples, the action is at a definite point in the future and it has already been arranged.

 I'm meeting her at 6.30.

 They aren't arriving until Tuesday.
 We are having a special dinner at a top restaurant for all the senior managers.
 Isn't he coming to the dinner?