Pres. Simp. Pres. Cont

Present Simple

(base form)

Present continuous (present of be +.... -ing)

We use present Simple:  for permanent situations:

We use present continuous: ♦ for temporary situations existing for a period ot the present time: I am staying with a friend at the moment. She is working very hard nowadays. ≠ Just now I wait to do my military service √ Just now I am waiting to do my military service

I live in a flat She works for an insurance company.

♦ for situations which are changing during the present time: the weather is getting hotter and hotter ♦ for actions, or repeated actions or habits, occurring at the moment of speaking: I am using John’s mobile phone because I left mine at home You are eating too fast.

 for repeated actions or habits: I use my mobile phone every day.

 for general truths: The sun rises in the East. Matter consists of small particles. ≠ Water is boiling at 100 degrees. √ Water boils at 100 degrees.  To tell the stories, or summarize the plot of a film or book: Our hero goes off to search for the treasure, which he eventually finds after many adventures.

♥ to express annoying habits with words like always: You’re always borrowing money! ♠ When we use always with the Present Simple, it usually means ‘every time’: I always complain if the service is bad in restaurants. ♠ When we use always wit the present continuous, it means ‘all the time’ or ‘too/very often’: You’re always complaining that waiters are rude. ♠ We cannot use never ............ again with the Present Simple ≠ I never speak to you again. √ I’m never speaking to you again.

We don’t usually use certain verbs in Present continuous, e.g.: Appearance: appear, look, resemble, seem Composition: consist of, contain, include, have Connection: come from, concern, cost, fit, suit Existence: be, exist Knowledge: forget, know, realize, understand Likes and dislikes: dislike, hate like, love, prefer Needs and wants: lack, need, want, wish Opinion: believe, doubt, imagine, suppose, think Possession: belong to, have, own, owe, possess Sense: feel, hear, notice, see, smell, sound, taste

We can use some of these verbs when they have different meanings. Here are some examples: Present Simple Present Continuous He is friendly (=appearance) She has (got) a big car. (= possession ) I have three brothers. (=connection) They think it is too expensive. (=opinion) She looks sad. (=appearance ) I feel what we did was wrong. (=opinion) Do you see what I mean? (=knowledge, understand) This juice tastes good. (=senses) It depends on the weather. (=connection, the weather may change the situation) Time expressions of Simple present 1-every 2- form time to time, now and then, almost everyday 3- once a day, twice a day, 4- always, usually, often, frequently, sometimes, occasionally, rarely, seldom, never, ever, generally

He is being friendly (=behaving or pretending now) She is having an operation/a good time/a meal/ a bath. (= actively involved in) They are thinking of buying a cheaper car. (=considering) I am just thinking. (=at this moment) He is looking at his watch (=checking, examining) I am feeling exhausted. (=physical reaction) Are you seeing a lot of Mary nowadays? (=spending time with) You are seeing things – there is nobody at the window. (=imagining) He is tasting the milk to see if it is OK. (=checking the quality) I am depending on you. (=relying)

Time expressions of present continuous tense now, right now, this week, just now, this ..…….., at this moment, temporarily, for the time being, right this moment