Simple Present

vs.
Present Progressive
Usage
Signal Words
Conjugation
 Introduction
We use the simple present and the present progressive
to talk about things that take place in the present. The
simple present is used for permanent actions, to
describe daily events, facts or as a narrative form for
stories that take place in the present. The present
progressive is used for temporary actions and to
describe what is happening at the moment of speaking.
Example
Usage
Signal Words
Verbs that are not used
in the Present
Progressive
 The following verbs are not generally
used in a progressive form

Stative verbs: Be, cost, fit, mean, remain, suit. Example:

- They are on holiday.

Verbs that show possession/belonging: Belong, have. Example:

- The luggage belongs to the family.

Verbs of sensation: Feel, hear, see, smell, taste, touch. Example:

- They hear the loudspeaker announcement.

 The following verbs are not generally
used in a progressive form
Verbs that express emotions: Hate, hope, like, love, prefer, regret, want, wish. Example:

- Ben loves going by train.

Verbs of thought and recognition: Believe, know, realise, recognise, seem, think,
understand. Example:

- He knows where they have to get off the train.

Clauses accompanying direct speech: Answer, ask, reply, say. Example:

- “We must hurry to get the train”, Ben’s father says.

Change of meaning