Tense Contrasts

Present Simple vs. Present Continuous

Practice choosing between the present simple and present continuous in context.

The Core Decision

Use the present simple for habits, routines, facts, and things that are generally true. Use the present continuous for actions happening right now or temporary situations around the present moment.

Side by Side

	Present Simple	Present Continuous
Use when	The action is a habit, routine, schedule, or a general fact that is always true.	The action is happening at this moment or is temporary and in progress these days.
Signal words	always, usually, often, every day, never, on Mondays, sometimes	now, right now, at the moment, currently, today, this week, look!, listen!
Example	She walks to work every day.	She is walking to work right now.

Common Confusions

Using the present continuous for habits: say "I go to the gym every morning," not "I am going to the gym every morning," when it's a routine.
Using the present simple for an action in progress now: say "Look! It is raining," not "Look! It rains," for something happening at this moment.
Stative verbs (know, like, want, believe, own) normally take the present simple even now: say "I know the answer," not "I am knowing the answer."

Practice

Listen! The baby ___ in the next room.

My dad ___ coffee every morning before work.

Be quiet, please. I ___ to study right now.

Water ___ at 100 degrees Celsius.

Where is Mom? She ___ dinner in the kitchen at the moment.

We usually ___ TV after dinner.

Look! It ___ outside, so take an umbrella.

The sun ___ in the east.

Saraher teeth twice a day.

Don't bother him; heon the phone right now.

Generate 5 more practice questions

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Present Perfect vs. Past Simple

Past Simple vs. Past Continuous

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