SIMPLE PRESENT: we use the Simple Present tense for:

1. Repeated Actions: use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is repeated or
usual. The action can be a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that
often happens: I get up at 7 a.m. every day. - I play tennis every Friday afternoon. - I always
forget my wallet on the table.- __________________________________________________.

2. Facts or Generalizations: the Simple Present tense can also indicate the speaker believe that
a fact was true before, is true now, and will be true in the future. Besides, it can be used to
make generalizations about things or people: Dogs hate cats. - The sun rises in the East. - Ice
is cold. - ____________________________________________________________________ .

3. With verbs that describe states: believe, have, know, think, hope, want, understand, and need:
I need an answer now! – I don’t understand this problem. - ____________________________.

4. Scheduled Events in the Near Future: speakers occasionally use Simple Present to talk about
scheduled events in the near future. This is most commonly when talking about public
transportation, but it can be used with other scheduled events as well: The train leaves tonight
at 9 p.m. - The bus does not arrive at 9 a.m., it arrives at 11 a.m. - The party starts at 8 p.m.

PRESENT CONTINUOUS: we use the Present Continuous for:

1. Now: use the Present Continuous with normal verbs to express that something is or not
happening now, at this very moment: You are learning English now. - You are not swimming
now. - Are you studying? - ______________________________________________________.

2. Longer Actions in Progress Now: in English, “now” can mean: this second, today, this month,
this year, this century, and so on. Sometimes, we use the present continuous to say that we
are in the process of doing a longer action which is in progress, changing or that is
developing; however, we might not be doing it at this exact second: I am studying to become
a doctor. - __________________________________________________________________.