A2
Present Simple
Present Simple
or Continuous?
Interactive exercises with instant feedback. Learn when to use present simple and when to use present continuous.
Present Simple or Continuous: Quick Reference
Present Simple — habits, facts, permanent
- Routines: I walk to work every day.
- Permanent states: She lives in London.
- Facts: Water boils at 100°C.
- Signal words: every day, usually, always, never, on Mondays
Present Continuous — now, temporary
- Happening now: Look! It's raining!
- Temporary: She's staying with friends this month.
- Signal words: now, right now, at the moment, today, this week
Stative verbs — always simple
- Feelings: I like pizza. (not I'm liking)
- Thoughts: I know the answer. (not I'm knowing)
- Common stative verbs: know, like, love, hate, want, need, understand, believe, prefer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between present simple and present continuous?
Present simple: habits, routines, permanent states, facts. Present continuous: actions happening now, temporary situations. Key question: "Is this regular/permanent, or happening right now/temporarily?"
What are stative verbs?
Verbs that describe states, not actions: know, like, love, want, need, understand, believe, prefer. They use present simple even when talking about "now": 'I know the answer' (not 'I am knowing').
What signal words help you choose?
Simple: every day, usually, always, never. Continuous: now, right now, at the moment, today, this week. No time marker + fact = simple.