Present Simple vs Present Continuous

Exercises

Explanation

Present Simple

We use the Present Simple to talk about habits, routines, and permanent facts — things that happen regularly or that are always true.

Habits and repeated actions

Use the Present Simple for activities you do often:

• I brush my teeth twice a day.

• She goes jogging every morning.

• We visit our grandparents every Sunday.

Permanent situations or facts

Use it for things that don’t change easily or are generally true:

• My parents live in Canada.

• He works as a teacher.

• The Earth orbits the Sun.

• I like spicy food.

Adverbs and expressions of frequency

These words show how often something happens:
always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never, every day, once a week

• I usually read before bed.

• They eat out twice a month.

Stative (non-action) verbs

Some verbs describe states or feelings, not actions — we use them only in Present Simple, not in Continuous:
be, have (own), know, like, love, need, prefer, understand, want

• She has a small apartment. CORRECT

• She is having a small apartment. WRONG

• I know the answer. CORRECT

• I’m knowing the answer. WRONG

Present Continuous

We use the Present Continuous to describe actions happening now or temporary situations around the present.

Actions happening right now

Use it for things you are doing at the moment of speaking:

• What are you doing? — I’m reading a message.

• She’s cooking dinner right now.

Temporary situations (around now)

Use it for things happening these days or weeks, even if not at this exact moment:

• I’m taking an online course this month.

• We’re staying with friends while our house is being renovated.

• He’s learning to play the guitar these days.

Time expressions for Present Continuous

Common markers: now, at the moment, currently, today, this week, these days, right now

• I’m working from home this week.

• She’s studying a lot these days.

Present Simple or Continuous? Key Differences

Usually or now?

• I watch movies on weekends. (a regular habit)

• I’m watching a movie right now. (happening now)

Permanent or temporary?

• I live in Paris. (permanent)

• I’m living in Paris for the summer. (temporary)

What do you do? vs What are you doing?

• What do you do? → What’s your job or occupation?

• What are you doing? → What’s happening right now?

Summary Chart