Present simple or present continuous?

What you'll learn

Use the present simple for routines and habits. Use the present continuous for actions happening now.

Start with these examples

• I walk to work every day.
• I am walking to work now.
• She usually cooks, but she is cooking at the moment.

Compare the two forms

Routine or habit	Happening now
I walk to work every day.	I am walking to work now.
She usually cooks.	She is cooking at the moment.
They play football on Saturdays.	They are playing football now.

Time clues

Present simple

• every day
• usually
• often
• on Mondays
• always

Present continuous

• now
• at the moment
• today
• look!
• listen!

Time words help, but first think about the meaning.

Use the present simple for

• routines: I get up at seven.
• habits: He drinks coffee every morning.
• facts: My parents live in Spain.

Use the present continuous for

• actions now: She is talking on the phone.
• temporary actions: I am working from home this week.
• things you can see happening: Look! It is raining.

Common mistakes

• I am going to school every day. → I go to school every day.
• Look! He plays football. → Look! He is playing football.
• She is usually cooking dinner. → She usually cooks dinner.
• We watch TV now. → We are watching TV now.

Quick check

• My father ___ to work every day. → drives
• Look! My father ___ home now. → is driving
• We usually ___ dinner at eight. → have

Next step

Use question words to ask for specific information.