How do I use the Present Simple and the Present Continuous? – what’s the difference?
The difference between the Present Simple and Present Continuous is that the Present Simple is used to give facts or talk about habits, while the Present Continuous is for when you are talking about something happening right now.
More detailed examples and sentences are explained in detail below.
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Present Simple | Present Continuous (also called the Present Progressive) |
Things that always/usually happen, to give facts and information about things or people:
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When you are talking about something happening right now:
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When we talk about fixed habits,
Things we do regularly, or routines:
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When things happen for a short period of time/temporary situations:
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Planned events as a part of a program:
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Confirmed plans for the future:
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These are the three main differences between the Present Simple and Present Continuous.