Present Simple vs Present Continuous – Clear Comparison and Usage Guide

Present simple and present continuous are two of the six basic English tenses that English learners need to master. These two tenses have different meanings, uses and structures. However, in reality, there are still some special cases that cause confusion between the uses of these two tenses. Let's compare these two tenses with IDP to find out the similarities and differences between them in the following article!

Present Simple

• Frequency adverbs: always, often, usually, sometimes, every day/week

• Time expressions: in the morning/afternoon/evening

• Special pattern: S + to be + always + V‑ing for complaining

• Not used with stative verbs like believe, dislike, like, love, have, need, etc.

Present Continuous

• Time markers: now, at present, at the moment, right now

• Imperative or sensory verbs: look, listen, watch out, feel, sound, taste

• Not used with stative verbs

Rules for Present Simple – 3rd Person Singular:

• Add ‑es if verb ends in o, x, sh, ch, ss (e.g. teach → teaches)

• If ending in vowel + y, change y → i + ‑es (e.g. carry → carries)

• For other verbs, add ‑s (e.g. play → plays)

• Irregular: have becomes has

Rules for Present Continuous ‑ing formation:

• Add ‑ing to most verbs (e.g. read → reading)

• Drop e before adding ‑ing (e.g. write → writing)

• Double consonant if one syllable ending in consonant‑vowel‑consonant (e.g. sit → sitting)

• For multisyllable verbs with stress on final syllable double last consonant (e.g. submit → submitting)

• Verbs ending in ‑ie: change to ‑y + ing (e.g. lie → lying)

Exercise 1: Choose Simple Present or Present Continuous

1. … you / come tonight? → Are you coming tonight?

2. The Sun (rise) on Earth. → rises

3. They (not/visit) the landscapes tomorrow. → aren’t visiting

4. Mina (go) to school at 6 o’clock every day. → goes

5. I (read) books at the present. → am reading

Exercise 2: Complete with correct tense

1. I usually (do) exercises in the morning. Now, I (walk) in the park near my house. → do / am walking

2. (Not/forget) to take the umbrella—it (rain) cats and dogs. → Don’t forget / is raining

3. I can’t hear what William (say) because his children (scream) so loudly. → says / are screaming

4. Liam (wear) his pink T‑shirt today, but usually he (wear) the blue one. → is wearing / wears

Exercise 3: Choose the correct answer

1. I … lunch in the canteen every day.

   • a. have ✔

2. I … to Japan next Sunday. Can you take me to the airport?

   • b. am going ✔

3. I … at math class twice a week.

   • a. study ✔

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between present simple and present continuous is essential for mastering basic grammar and improving accuracy in English exams. We hope this guide helps you better grasp their usage and prepare confidently for upcoming tests.