SIMPLE PRESENT &

PRESENT CONTINUOUSBEGINNER B/BASIC B

THE SIMPLE PRESENTUSE:We use the simple present to

describe routines, habits and frequency.

Examples:take a showerwake upgo to school

every dayalwayshardly ever

THE SIMPLE PRESENT

STRUCTURE

Some activities (routines and habits)

Affirmative SentencesSimple Present

I take a shower every day.You sometimes ride on a bus.

She goes shopping every week.They have lunch at 12:30 p.m.

• The sentences describe routines or habits.

• The adverbs indicate frequency.

Negative SentencesSimple Present

I don’t ride on a bus very often. My father doesn’t have lunch at

home.He doesn’t go shopping on weekdays.

Some people don’t take a shower every day.

routines or habits.• adverbs indicate frequency.

Interrogative SentencesSimple Present

Do you have to take a bus to come to school?

Does she go shopping very often?Do they have lunch at the school?Does your brother take a shower in

the evening?

routines or habits.• adverbs indicate frequency.

Frequency Adverbs withSimple Present

FREQUENCY ADVERBS

100% always almost always

usually/often sometimes

occasionally rarely/seldom

hardly ever 0% never

Frequency Adverbs withSimple Present

General rule: FREQUENCY ADVERB + VERB

I usually go to the English course in the afternoon.

She always buys snacks at the cafeteria.

They never take the bus to go back home.

Frequency Adverbs withSimple Present

ExceptionsVerb to be

They are usually at CMBH in the morning.

verb + adv.

Frequency Adverbs withSimple Present

ExceptionsSometimes, usually, often, generally and

occasionaly can be used at the beginning or the end of a sentence. ONLY these adverbs.

Sometimes I clean the house.I clean the house sometimes.

I often drink milk in the morning.I drink milk in the morning often.

Frequency Adverbs withSimple Present

NEGATIVE SENTENCESGeneral rule:

FREQUENCY ADVERB + VERBor

VERB + FREQUENCY ADVERB

She doesn’t usually go to the supermarket. She usually doesn’t go to the supermarket.

Frequency Adverbs withSimple Present

ExceptionsAlways (negative sentences)

NEGATIVE VERB + ALWAYS

I don’t always clean my house.She doesn’t always eat meat for lunch.

I always don’t play soccer.

Frequency Adverbs withSimple Present

ExceptionsNEVER

NEVER + AFFIRMATIVE VERB

I never clean my house.He always eats meat for lunch.I don’t never clean my house.

Frequency Adverbs withSimple Present

TIME EXPRESSIONSevery week / every other dayonce a month / twice a year

three times a day

I visit my grandma once a month. end of sentence

Once a month, I visit my grandma. beginning of sentence

THE PRESENT CONTINUOUSUSE:We use the present continuous to

describe: actions in progress noworfuture plans.

THE PRESENT CONTINUOUSSTRUCTURE

VERB TO BE + VERB _ ING

We are having an English class.They are traveling next month.

Present ContinuousAffirmative

They are playing golf. (now)They are playing golf next week. (future)

NegativeShe is not watching a movie. (now)

She is not going out tonight. (future)

InterrogativeAre you paying attention? (now)

Are you coming to the party on Saturday? (future)

Present ContinuousNON-ACTION VERBS

miss know like love need see understand want

Almost never used in present continuous

I’m knowing a new friend.She’s liking the TV show.

He is understanding the explanation.

SIMPLE PRESENT vs.

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

Present Continuous vs. Simple PresentThey are studying Math. (now)

They study Math every Monday. (routine)

She is not having dinner tonight. (future)She always have dinner at night. (routine)

Are you talking on the phone? (now)Do you often talk on the phone ?(routine)

EXERCISESWhat do they do?What are they doing?

Answer the questions using the simple present and the present continuous.