Present Simple vs Continuous Tense

Present simple tense is for habits and general truths.

Present Continuous is for actions happening now.

In this lesson, you’ll learn more differences and practise using these tenses.

When to use present simple and present continuous tense?

Present Simple

To show regular habits and actions
To say facts and permanent situations
Use stative verbs, e.g. need, want, look, like
Common time expressions; always, sometimes, every week, every day, once a week etc.

Present Continuous

To show actions happening now
To show actions happening around that time, e.g. I am reading this book at the moment.
Common time expressions; now, at the moment, today, right now etc.

1. I live in England.

2. He is watching a film now.

3. Water turns to ice at 0 degrees.

Fill the gaps with the correct form of the verbs.

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