Section 2: Present Simple/ Present Continuous (EGU p.

2 ->9, 34-35, 38-39)

Present Simple
FORM
+ inf. / inf. + (e) s (3ps)
- don’t /doesn’t (3ps) + inf.
? do / does (3ps) + subject + inf.

Spelling!
cons + i-> y : study -> he studies
s ss sh ch x o -> + es: kiss -> he kisses

USE
1 For habitual permanent actions:
My best friend works in London.
They get new books from the library every
week.
Add your example:

2 For general truths and facts:

The sun rises in the east.

3 With adverbs of frequency

Source : https://www.eslbuzz.com/adverbs-of-frequency-in-english/
4 With state verbs: those verbs are usually used only in the simple form
- Verbs of senses: see (except when it means “meet” -> continuous form), hear, smell,
notice, recognize
- Verbs of emotion: want, desire, refuse, forgive, wish, care, love, hate, like, dislike
- Seem, appear (= seem), look (= seem), contain, consist, keep (= continue), matter
Do you hear that noise?
- Verbs of thinking: think (= opinion), feel (= think), realize, understand, know, mean,
suppose, believe, expect, remember, forget
I don’t remember ever meeting her.
- Verbs of possession: own, owe, belong, possess, have (only for possession! Not in
expressions such as “have a shower”, ...)

5 Official time (trains, flights, concerts, ...) with a future meaning

What time does the train leave tomorrow?
The film starts at 8:30 tonight.
Present Continuous (or Progressive)
FORM
+ to be (present simple) + inf-ing
- to be not (present simple) + inf-in
? to be (present simple) + subject + inf-in

Spelling!
short vowel+ consonant -> double the consonant
To swim -> I am swimming.

USE
1 For actions happening at the moment of speaking
Keep quiet! I’m working

2 For a temporary state or actions happening around the moment of speaking

(enlarged now)
I usually start work at 8:30 but this week I’m starting at 9:00.
I’m living with some friends until I find a place of my own.

3 For descriptions
She is wearing an elegant blue silk dress.

4 For future arrangements

I’m meeting Ann tomorrow at 6 o’clock.
NOTE
- A state is when something stays the same. An action is when something happens.
State verbs are not usually used in any continuous form (see Present Simple).
However, certain verbs can have a ‘state’ meaning and an ‘action’ meaning.
Examples include be, have, taste, think.
I have two sisters.
I’m having problems with my computer.

- Sometimes state verbs can describe temporary feelings.

How are you getting on at your new school? I hate it / I’m hating it.

- Feel: there are almost no difference of meaning between the simple and the
continuous present.
I feel awful = I’m feeling awful.
How do you feel now? =How are you feeling now?

- Present continuous with always is used when we are exaggerating or complaining.

We emphasize “always” in speech in this case.
You’re always forgetting your keys.

Compare:

Present Simple Present continuous

Permanent Temporary
Habits and routines In progress now, around now
Facts that are always true Events happening at the moment
General situations A particular situation