Present Simple vs Present Continuous

Grammar tenses are one of the most important topics you stumble across when learning a language. There are twelve of them in English – four for each time period: present, future, and past. Today, we're talking about present simple vs present continuous. What are the differences between them? How can you know which tense to use? Make yourself comfortable, and let's dive in!

Present Simple vs Present Continuous: Key Differences

Although we use both tenses to talk about actions happening in the present, they convey different meanings in English. And the best way to understand how to use them correctly is by memorizing these differences. So, what should you know about present continuous vs present simple?

• The present simple tense is used to talk about regular actions, habits, facts, or general truths. It describes things that usually happen. For example:

I drink coffee every morning. (habit)

The sun rises in the east. (fact)

• The present continuous tense describes actions happening right now or temporary situations. You should use it to talk about things that are in progress at this exact moment. For example: 

I am drinking coffee now. (happening right now) 

She is staying at her friend's house this week. (temporary situation)

As you can see, the main difference between present simple and present continuous is that the former describes something habitual and permanent, while the latter – something temporary or happening right now.

Rules for Present Simple and Present Continuous

We've created a list of rules with examples to help you understand the key differences between present simple and present continuous. 

1. Use present simple for habits or routines.

I go to the school every day.

She brushes her teeth every morning.

2. Use present continuous for actions happening right now.

I'm going to the school.

She is brushing her teeth.

3. Use present simple for facts or general truths.

Water boils at 100°C.

The Earth revolves around the sun.

4. Use present continuous for temporary actions or situations.

He is living in London this month.

They are waiting for the concert to begin.

5. Use present simple for fixed schedules (e.g., timetables).

The train leaves at 7 PM.

The bus arrives at 6 AM.

6. Use present continuous for future plans (with a time reference).

We are meeting them tomorrow.

She is going on vacation next month.

There is also one exception to the rules. Some verbs are stative, meaning that they describe states or feelings rather than actions. Such verbs can not be used in the present simple continuous tense. The stative verbs include:

• Verbs of thinking/knowing: know, believe, understand, think (when it means "to have an opinion"), remember, forget.

Correct: I know the answer.

Incorrect: I am knowing the answer.

• Verbs of feeling/liking: like, love, prefer, hate, want, need.

Correct: She loves chocolate.

Incorrect: She is loving chocolate.

• Verbs of senses: see, hear, smell, taste (when describing perception, not actions)

Correct: It tastes sweet.

Incorrect: It is tasting sweet.

• Verbs of possession: have, own, belong.

Correct: They have a car.

Incorrect: They are having a car.

Exceptions: Some of these verbs can be used in both simple present and present continuous. But it only happens when they describe an action and not a state. For example:

I am having dinner. (Action: eating)

He is thinking about the problem. (Action: considering, not an opinion)

Examples of Present Simple and Present Continuous Sentences

To understand whether to use present simple or present continuous even better, take a look at the example sentences below. This way, you'll see how both tenses are used in different contexts, which can significantly help to grasp the differences between them.

Present Simple:

• I go to the gym every day.
• She likes ice cream.
• We prefer tea over coffee.
• He believes in the power of love.
• They understand the importance of learning a language.

Present Continuous:

• I am studying for the exam.
• She is making dinner.
• We are going to the beach.
• He is planning a trip.
• They are watching a movie.

How to form Present Simple and Present Continuous

After looking at the examples, you can notice that sentences in both present simple and continuous follow specific patterns.

Present Simple Tense

Positive sentences: Subject + base verb.

I like ice cream.

She works at school.

Note: add -s or -es for he/she/it. 

Verbs ending in -ch, -sh, -x, -s, -o – add -es (e.g., watches, goes, brushes).

Verbs ending in consonant and -y – change -y to -ies (e.g., cries, studies).

Negative sentences: Subject + do/does not + base verb.

I don't (do not) eat meat.

He doesn't (does not) like coffee.

Interrogative sentences: Do/does + subject + base verb?

Does she work here?

Do you like this movie?

Present Continuous

Positive sentences: Subject + am/is/are + verb (-ing ending).

I am reading a book.

They are playing football.

Note: pay attention to different spelling rules when forming a present participle.

Verbs ending in -e – drop -e and add -ing (e.g., write → writing).

Verbs with one vowel + consonant – double the consonant (e.g., run → running).

Verbs ending in -ie – change -ie to -ying (e.g., lie → lying).

Negative sentences: Subject + am/is/are not + verb (-ing ending).

I'm (I am) not sleeping now.

He isn't (is not) working today.

Interrogative sentences: Am/Is/Are + subject + verb (-ing ending).

Is she crying?

Are you studying English?

Common mistakes

Although present continuous and present simple have quite understandable grammar rules, there are still some common mistakes learners make in the first stages of familiarizing themselves with these tenses. To avoid that, keep in mind these nuances:

• Don't use the present simple for actions that are happening right now or will happen in the near future. For example, "I go to the movies tonight" is incorrect because it should be in the present continuous tense: "I am going to the movies tonight."
• Don't use the present continuous for actions that are repeated or done regularly. For example, "I am studying every day" is incorrect because it should be in the present simple tense: "I study every day."
• Don't use stative verbs in the present simple continuous. When using a verb that describes state rather than action, use the present simple tense ("I want a new car" instead of I'm wanting a new car).
• Don't skip the helping verb in the present continuous. Always include the proper form of the helping verb to be ("They are watching TV," not "They watching TV").
• Don't forget to add -s and -es endings in the present simple. Use proper endings if the sentence subject is a third-person singular ("She works hard every day," not "She work hard every day").

Memorizing and following these "don'ts" will help you avoid common pitfalls and better understand present continuous present simple differences.

Complex sentences

In some cases, we can use both tenses in one sentence. This happens in complex sentences – those that contain one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. It can happen in different variations.

• Present Simple + Present Simple

We use the present simple tense in both main and subordinate clauses when talking about habits, routines, or cause-effect relationships.

I always read a book before I go to bed. (habit in both clauses)

If she eats too much sugar, she feels sick. (cause and effect)

• Present Continuous + Present Continuous

In this case, we describe two actions happening simultaneously in the present or at the same time during the temporary period.

While I'm cooking, she's setting the table.

As the children are playing outside, their parents are talking inside.

• Present Simple + Present Continuous

If you want to show a contrast between a habitual action and a temporary or ongoing action, use the present simple in the main clause and the continuous – in the subordinate one.

I usually study in the library, but today I'm studying at home.

She always wakes up early, but this week, she is sleeping in.

• Present Continuous + Present Simple

To describe a temporary action that happens until a habitual or scheduled action takes place, use the present continuous in the main clause and the present simple – in the subordinate one.

I am waiting until the movie starts.

They are staying at a hotel until they find an apartment.

Summary

In short, the present simple is used for actions that are repeated or done regularly, while the present continuous is used for actions that are happening right now or will happen in the near future. Once you know this key difference, you can easily use both tenses in your English and master verb tenses!