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Present Simple or Continuous

Present Simple or Continuous

Date: Oct 03 2007

Topic: Grammar

Author: rhyme_reason

Lesson

We use the Present Simple for:

regular actions or events

  • I watch TV most evenings.

facts

  • The sun rises in the east.

facts known about the future

  • The plane leaves at 5.00 in the morning.

thoughts and feelings about the time of speaking

  • I don't understand.

We use the Present Continuous for

the time of speaking ('now')

  • I'm watching a movie on TV.

things which are true at the moment but not always

  • I'm looking for a new job.

present plans for the future

  • I'm taking my husband to New York for his birthday.

Look at these sentences :

  • I usually don't drink coffee but I'm having one this morning because there is nothing else.
  • I often drive to work but I'm taking the train this morning because my car is in for repair.
  • I'm thinking about dying my hair blonde but I don't think my wife will be very happy about it.
  • My parents live in New York but I'm just visiting.

Notice how in all these examples we use the present continuous to talk about events which are temporary/limited in time and the present simple to talk about events which are habits/permanent.

Comments

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jenno-a22

Holy See (Vatican City State)

great  :)  thanks alot

09:40 PM Apr 03 2009 |

kuzulio

kuzulio

Germany

Excellent. Laughing10x!

10:39 AM Feb 24 2009 |

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