Present Simple & Present Continuous

Present Simple Present Continuous

Things that are always true Things that are happening at the moment

Paul loves writing emails. He is checking his inbox now.

Regular activities Temporary activities

Paul sends 50 emails a day. This week Paul is also answering Bob’s mail
while he is away. Paul is very happy.

1. Present Simple Time words

Time words​: Every day/month/week/year, usually, always (100%), often (80%), sometimes
(50%), rarely (20%), never (0%), in the evening, on Fridays, in summer
The form of the present simple verb only changes after he, she or it. Then we add -s.
Most verbs +s We compile – He
compiles
Verbs ending in o, s, sh, +es We fix – He fixes
ch and x
Verbs that end with y y => i + es We copy – He copies

2. Present Continuous Time words

Time words​: Now, at the moment, for the time being, currently
Most verbs +ing detect – detecting
Verbs ending in e Drop thee, + ing locate – locating
Verbs ending in a single Double the consonant, + debug – debugging
vowel + a single ing
consonant
Verbs ending in ie Replace ie with y die – dying
State verbs: some verbs are not used in the Continuous because they denote states, not
actions
Tip​: to check if the verb is stative try to ask the question: “What are you doing?” Can you answer
it with this verb? If yes, then you can use it in Continuous, e.g.:
- What are you doing?
- I am sleeping. ​V
If not, you cannot:
- What are you doing?
- I am wanting to sleep. ​X