Learn the Present Simple and Present Continuous Tenses

In the blog we’ll teach you an easy way to learn the present simple and present continuous tenses. Watch the video and then try the exercises after.

Video transcript:

Today I’m going to show you the easy way to use the present tenses, the present simple and the present continuous.

When you use the present simple, your aspect is all the time. Every day, usually, often, where you come from, where you live etc.

When you use the present continuous, your aspect is what I’m doing at the moment, focusing on the action or the process. Don’t forget that at the moment in English can mean, this minute, today, this month, or this year, but never all the time.

That’s it, just two aspects to remember. All the time, present simple. What I am doing at the moment for the present continuous.

Here are some quick exercises for you to do which will help you see how easy it is.

Remember all you have to think about is, does the speaker mean ‘all the time’ or ‘what I am doing at the moment’.

Present Simple and Present Continuous Exercises

Recap:

Present Simple Aspect – All the time
Present Continuous Aspect – What I’m doing at the moment

Match the similar pairs of sentences 1-6 with the speaker’s thoughts.

1. We offer discounts over the winter.
2. We’re offering discounts over the winter.
3. Hiroshi comes from Tokyo.
4. Hiroshi is coming from Tokyo.
5. I stay at the Hilton Hotel – I like the pool.
6. I’m staying at the Hilton. I like the pool.

A. I never use any other hotel.
B. Hiroshi is on the plane.
C. Sales have been slow this summer.
D. I had a great swim this morning.
E. He lives there.
F. We always reduce prices in the winter.

Answers

1. We offer discounts over the winter. F. We always reduce prices in the winter.
2. We’re offering discounts over the winter. C. Sales have been slow this summer.
3. Hiroshi comes from Tokyo. E. He lives there.
4. Hiroshi is coming from Tokyo. B. Hiroshi is on the plane.
5. I stay at the Hilton Hotel – I like the pool. A. I never use any other hotel.
6. I’m staying at the Hilton Hotel – I like the pool. D. I had a great swim this morning.
   

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