Present simple and continuous: 1

14.09.2011

With the right tools, we can build the house of English together.

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We use the present continuous to talk about something that is happening now (at or around the time of speaking). The action is not finished.
• "What's that noise? Is it raining?"

We use the present simple to talk about general truths or things that happen repeatedly.
• "Does it rain a lot in Scotland?"

Compare the sentences below to help you understand the difference between the two tenses:

• "What's he doing? — He's buying a card for his mum." – now

• "What do you do? — I work in a hospital." – general

We use the present continuous to talk about temporary situations:
• "I'm living in my brother's flat while I'm working in London."

We use the present simple to talk about permanent situations:
• "My brother lives in Chelsea."

Now try the exercises on the next page.

Dagmar Taylor