2. Simple or continuous?

 
Present Simple vs. Present Continuous
Present Simple Present Continuous
  1. Universal truths/ permanent statements : Statements that do not change with time / are valid for a long period of time.

They speak English in New Zealand.

I live in Seville.

 

  1. Habits and routines.

I never use sunflower oil in my salad.

My sons go for a walk with friends every afternoon.

 

  1. State verbs: be, believe, hate, know, like, love, prefer, seem, understand, want...

Jessica wants new furniture for her new house.

The students don't understand my decision.

  1. Actions that are happening at the moment of speaking.

What are you doing ? I'm doing my homework.

 

  1. Temporary situations.

I'm reading a really nice novel. (You are not necessarily reading it at the moment of speaking)

This year Jack is studying German.

 

Typical time expressions for the present simple

  • Frequency adverbs: always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, hardly ever, never.
  • Frequency expressions: once a week, every day, on Tuesdays, every other month...

Typical time expressions for the present continuous:

  • now, right now, at the moment, at present.
 

Watch the following presentation and write one sentence per slide. Choose the right tense corresponding to the time expression. Use the right person (he or she) and place the adverbial in the right position in the sentence.

Then check below.

 Presentación alojada en slideshare