Present Simple vs. Continuous

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4

Present Simple vs Continuous

CEN Grammar

Learning goals

1. I know when and how to use the present simple and continuous.

Be careful!

Do not use any shortened forms (like aren't) in the coming exercises.

Put the verb in the correct tense.
I ___ (listen) to a song, so be quiet.

verb = werkwoord

Put the verb in the correct tense.
She ___ (work) in the garden right now.

Put the verb in the correct tense.
Peter ___ (go) to university in Amsterdam.

Put the verb in the correct tense.
My friends never ___ (talk) to the teacher.

Put the verb in the correct tense.
I ___ (wait) for the bus.

Put the verb in the correct tense.
Shane ___ (not - play) guitar, he is at the shop.

Put the verb in the correct tense.
They ___ (not - play) the guitar every day.

Put the verb in the correct tense.
___ (you - come) to my party this afternoon?

Put the verb in the correct tense.
___ (she - sometimes - wear) the same

What are we going to find out

• When to use the present simple and when you use the continuous

Connect the usage to the correct tense

Present Continuous

Present Simple

routine

fact

happening as we speak

in the near future

different from routine

Continuous vs Simple

Same verb, different meaning.

Present Simple

I play the guitar.
(hobby)

Mum works at a bank.
(routine)

Jamie often listens to music.
(routine)

We always visit Grandma on Sundays.
(routine) 

Present Continuous

I am playing the guitar.
(now)

Mum is working at home.
(now / different from routine)

Jamie is listening to music.
(now) 

We are visiting Grandma this afternoon.
(near future)

Stative verbs

Stative verbs are almost never used in the present continuous 

Examples:

believe

(dis)agree

(dis)like

forget

hate

know

like

love

recognize

remember

understand

• You could say it is 'yes / no' or 'black / white':
  

• You believe in something or you don't.
  
• You like / love / hate something or you don't.
• You remember / recognize / understand something or you don't.
  
  
• You are not 'busy' doing those things at a specific moment.

Is this a stative verb or not?
hear

1. stative verb
2. not a stative verb

Is this a stative verb or not?
smell

1. stative verb
2. not a stative verb

Is this a stative verb or not?
own

1. stative verb
2. not a stative verb

Is this a stative verb or not?
try

1. stative verb
2. not a stative verb

Is this a stative verb or not?
exist

1. stative verb
2. not a stative verb

I understand when to use the present continuous and simple.

Yes

Not entirely, but I do not need any help.

Not entirely and I would like some help.

I do not get it at all...

Be careful!

Do not use any shortened forms (like don't) in the coming exercises.

Put the verb in the correct tense.
My father ___ (try) to open the door, but it is still stuck.

Put the verb in the correct tense.
James never ___ (learn) for his test.

Put the verb in the correct tense.
Shut up! I ___ (not - talk) to you!

Put the verb in the correct tense.
___ (you - go) to Jimmy tonight?

Put the verb in the correct tense.
Mike ___ (not - teach) today, because he is ill.

Put the verb in the correct tense.
Every Sunday William and Susan ___ (walk) in the park.

Put the verb in the correct tense.
She ___ (take) the bus as we speak.

Put the verb in the correct tense.
___ (you - know) that man over there?