Present Simple and Present Continuous

by Pepa Mut

Use: let’s compare them!Use the Present Simple for things in general or things that happen repeatedly. (habits, routines)I usually take the bus to school.

Use the Present Continuous for something that is happening now, for a temporary situation or for a future plan.-Today , mum is taking us to school in her car. We all missed the bus!-We are having dinner at the new restaurant tomorrow evening.

Form

Present Simple

• AffirmativeI / we / you / they work.He / She / It works. • Negative (don’t/doesn’t)I don’t work in an office.He doesn’t work here.• QuestionsDo you work here? Yes, I do.Does she work in an office? No, she doesn’t.

Present Continuous

• AffirmativeAm / is /are + v-ingI’m working. She’s working.• Negative (+not)She isn’t working now.• QuestionsAre you working now? Yes, I am.Is she working now? No, she

isn’t.

Time expressions

Present Simple Present Continuous

NowRight nowAt presentAt the momentTodayThis weekThis month

Every dayAlwaysUsuallyOftenSometimesHardly everEverAt the weekendOnce/Twice a weekOn SundaysIn the summer/winterIn the morning/afternoon/eveningAt noon / midday

Spelling: Present SimpleRules for the 3rd person singular form (he, she, it)1-Most verbs add –s: works2-Verbs ending in -s, -sh, -ch, -x, and -o add –es: misses, washes, watches, fixes, goes, does…3-Verbs ending in consonant +y, change the y to I, then add –es: studies, flies, tries

Spelling: Present ContinuousRules for adding –ing to the verb:1-Most verbs add –ing to the base form:working2-Verbs ending in a silent e drop the –e:Dancing, living3-Monosyllabic verbs ending with a vowel + a consonant, double the final consonant, then add –ing:planning, sitting4-Two-syllable verbs with the stress on the last syllable, double the final consonant, then add –ing:Referring, beginning5-Verbs ending in –l, double the l, then add –ing:Travelling6-Verbs ending in –ie change to y, than add –ing:die-dying, tie-tying