Present Simple vs.
Present
Continuous
Grammar Lesson + Practice Exercise
Introduction
Today, we will learn:
- When to use Present Simple
- When to use Present Continuous
- How to form both tenses
- Practice with a real story
Present Simple – Usage
• Habits and routines
• General truths and facts
• Timetables or fixed schedules
• Example:
I wake up at 7 a.m.
The sun rises in the east.
The train leaves at 9 p.m.
• Signal Words: always, usually, often, never, every
day
Present Simple – Form
• Affirmative: S + V(s/es)
• Negative: S + don’t/doesn’t + V
• Question: Do/Does + S + V?
Present Continuous – Usage
• Actions happening now
• Temporary situations
• Complaints with 'always'
• Example:
I’m speaking to you.
She is staying with her cousin this week.
He is always losing his keys!
• Signal words: now, at the moment, this week,
today
Present Continuous – Form
• Affirmative: S + am/is/are + V-ing
• Negative: S + am/is/are + not + V-ing
• Question: Am/Is/Are + S + V-ing?
Practice Exercise
• Let’s complete the story about James.
• Use the correct form of the verb in brackets.
• Choose Present Simple or Present Continuous.
lives
1. James __________ (live) in a little village.
is
2. He __________ (be) in his last year at school.
wants
3. After school, James __________ (want) to become a banker.
4. So this week, he __________
is doing (do) a practical course in a bank.
5. There __________ (be) a bank in a nearby town, but James
__________ is (have) to take the bus to get there.
has
6. The bus __________ (leave) at 5.30 in the morning and
leaves
__________ (return) at 8.15 in the evening.
returns
7. James __________
doesn’t like (not like) to spend so much time in town
before and after work, waiting for the bus.
is staying (stay) with his aunt, who
8. Therefore, this week he __________
lives (live) in town.
__________
wears (wear) jeans and t-shirts, but while
9. James usually __________
is working
he __________
is wearing (work) for the bank now, he __________ (wear)
a suit and a tie.
Conclusion
• Present Simple: routines, facts, timetables
• Present Continuous: now, temporary,
complaints
• Look for time signals to help you!
• Well done!