Present simple or_present_continuous_explanation
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The document summarizes the differences between the present simple and present continuous tenses in English. The present simple is used to describe permanent or habitual situations, while the present continuous describes temporary situations that are happening now or changing slowly over time. Some examples provided are "Water boils at 100 degrees" in the present simple versus "The water is boiling now" in the present continuous. The document also notes that the present simple is used with stative verbs like "know" while the present continuous is not.
Present simple or_present_continuous_explanation
- 1. What's the difference? Present Simple and Present Continuous Present Simple Present Continuous Things which are always true: Things which are happening at the • Water boils at 100 degrees. moment of speaking: • The water is boiling now, so you can put in the pasta. Permanent situations (or nearly Temporary situations: permanent; true for a few years at least): • Julie is living in Paris for a few • Julie lives in London. months (usually she lives in London). Situations which are slowly changing: • I'm getting better and better at speaking English. Habits or things we do regularly: Temporary or new habits: • I drink coffee every morning. • I'm drinking too much coffee these days because I'm so busy at work. Annoying habits (usually with 'always'): • My flatmate is always leaving the kitchen in a mess! Future events which are part of a Definite future plans: timetable: • I'm meeting John after class • My plane leaves at eight tonight. today. To talk about the future after certain words ('when' 'until' 'after' 'before' 'as soon as'): • I'll call you when I get home. To talk about what happens in books, To talk about people in pictures and plays and films: photos: • At the end of the book, the • In this photo, my mother is detective catches the killer. walking beside a lake. Remember: We use the present simple with stative verbs. We can't use any continuous tense (including the present continuous tense, of course) with stative verbs. © 2012 www.perfect-english-grammar.com May be freely copied for personal or classroom use.