Present Simple vs. Present Continuous Grammar & Structure LevelB1
Present Simple vs. Present Continuous Outline
Content In this lesson you will learn all the uses of the present tenses.
Learning Outcomes •
•
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Learn every use of the present simple tense. Learn every use of the present continuous tense. Write sentences with both tenses.
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Vocabulary
Common Present Simple Verbs Want
Know
Need
Believe
Fear Hate
Mean
Come
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Present Tense Please note
English has two present tenses, the Present Simple, which talks about something that routinely happens, and the Present Continuous, which signifies the present moment. Examples: = A routine event that happens = An event happening at this moment
Present Tense Please note
The simple present is used for repeated actions and habits
I play the drums My friend always works on Sundays She smokes every time she drinks.
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Exercises Writing
Create three sentences about habits or daily routines Example: My kids watch TV every morning while eating breakfast.
1) _________________________________
2) _________________________________
3) _________________________________
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Present Tense Please note
The simple present is also used for facts
Denmark is in Europe. Girls like flowers and horses. The Queen lives in a castle.
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Exercises Writing
Create three factual sentences
1) _________________________________
2) _________________________________
3) _________________________________
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Present Tense
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Please note
The simple present can be used to talk about the near future
Examples
Class begins at 9:30. Her flight arrives later tonight. My train leaves soon.
Exercises Writing
Create three sentences in the near future The movie starts in 5 minutes!
1) _________________________________
2) _________________________________
3) _________________________________
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Present Tense
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Please note
The simple present is used with state verbs
Examples
These children need your help. I don‘t want to be alone. I understand everything she says..
Exercises Writing
Create three sentences with state verbs Example: I don‘t need your negativity in my life!
1) _________________________________
2) _________________________________
3) _________________________________
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Present Continuous Please note
The present continuous is used to talk about what is happening rightnow Subject
I
Verb ‘to be‘
am
Verb-ing
eating
Examples
She‘s sleeping at the moment. My kids are playing video games with their cousins.
...
now
Exercises Writing
Create three sentences talking about what is happening right now Example: My mother is working now!
1) _________________________________
2) _________________________________
3) _________________________________
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Present Continuous
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Please note
The present continuous is used to talk about actions in progress
Examples
I am studying to become a teacher. She is working to get enough money for a boat. He is trying to open the door.
Exercises Writing
Create three sentences talking about actions in progress Example: My daughter is training to be a karate master.
1) _________________________________
2) _________________________________
3) _________________________________
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Present Continuous
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Please note
The present continuous is also used to talk about the near future
Examples
I‘m leaving work at 9:00 We‘re playing ping-pong later on. I‘m having dinner at my parent ‘s place tonight.
Exercises Writing
Create three sentences talking about actions in the near future Example: The kids are coming soon!
1) _________________________________
2) _________________________________
3) _________________________________
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Present Continuous Please note
The present continuous is for repeated actions (with always)
Examples
They are always getting into trouble. She is always calling me when I ‘m with my wife. I am always forgetting my keys.
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Exercises
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Speaking
Present simple or present continuous? Choose the correct verb tense. 1) I am ____ (play) video games when I should ______ (work). 2) JoJo _____ (visit) her uncle every Saturday afternoon while the family is ______(watch) football. 3) The best coffee ____ from Colombia. 4) She can‘t _____ (stay) out late tonight, she ______ (work) very early tomorrow morning. 5) I don‘t have much free time these days because I ______ (prepare) for my entrance exam. 6) Can you please ______ (bring) my cat food, he _____ (need) to eat cat food, not human food.
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Exercises Speaking
Present simple or present continuous? Choose the correct verb tense. 1) You _____ (have) a test tomorrow. You must study if you _____ (try) to get into university. 2) The new research _______ (claim) that we ______ (work) more efficiently while we are standing. 3) I don‘t want to live in England because it s always ______ (rain) ’
4) On Sundays, we ____ (eat) pizza with everyone in the band. 5) I usually ____ (clean) my house when the seasons ______ (change)
6) The couple is _____ (get) a divorce because he is always ______ (cheat)
Exercises
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Speaking
Look at the picture. Write two sentences in the present simple and two in the present continuous. 1) _________________________ 2) _________________________ 3) _________________________ 4) _________________________
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Thank you
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