Topic: Verbs: Continuous Tenses

Day 2 Present Continuous Tense and Simple Present Tense

1.

	Present Continuous Tense	Simple Present Tense
Identify	The Present Continuous Tense is used for actions that are happening at the present time. e.g.: It’s raining at the moment. I’m watching TV.	The Simple Present is used to make statements about the present time. e.g.: It always rains at the weekend. I watch TV almost everyday.
Usage	a. It is used for actions happening at the present time. b. It is used for processes happening around the present time. See comments on Day 1 c. It is also used for repeated actions or habits. Such repetition is seen as one continuing action. d. It is also used for future arrangements at a particular time.	a. To express habits, general truths, repeated actions or unchanging situations, emotions and wishes: b. To give instructions or directions c. To express fixed arrangements, present or future d. To express future time, after some conjunctions: after, when, before, as soon as, until:

2. Simple Present is often used show opinions, feelings and statements.

e.g.: I think it’s a good programme.

Papers burn easily.

Simple Present is also used when promise, agree, refuse, etc. appears in the sentence.

e.g.: I promise I will write to you. NO! This is simple future – which is the tense usually associated with promise, agree, refuse etc.

It’s all right so he forgives me. I’m not sure what this example is supposed to illustrate.

3. Present Continuous Tense is used to describe temporary or short-term action.

Simple Present Tense is used to describe long-term action.

e.g.: I’m working at a sports shop for six weeks. (short-term)

I work at a sports shop. It’s permanent job. (long-term)

At the moment they’re living in a very small flat. (temporary)

They live in a very nice flat. (long-term)

4. “Always” can be used both in Present Continuous Tense and Simple Present Tense. It means “often” and “frequently” when used in Present Continuous Tense, and means “each time” when used in Simple Present Tense.

e.g.: Tom is always inviting friends here. (often)

I’m always making silly mistakes. (often)

Tom always invites us to stay at Christmas. (every Christmas)

I always make silly mistakes in exams. (in each exam)

Let’s do some exercises to see how well you understand this topic.