Present simple
vs
Present continuous
Present simple
vs
Present continuous
What do you know about the present simple and present continuous?
He is watching tv. This sentence describes an action in the present.
True
False
She is washing her hair. This sentence describes a daily routine.
True
False
Listen, she is singing her favourite song. This sentence describes an action going on.
True
False
Present continuous is used for
routines
actions going on now
Present continuous is NOT used for
permanent situations
temporary situations
future arrangements
actions going on now
Present continuous
used for actions going on right NOW
e.g. Look, it's raining!
to talk about temporary situations
e.g. Normally I go to school by bike, but today I'm going on foot.
future arrangements
e.g. Next Thursday I'm seeing the dentist
Other key words in the present continuous are...
KEYWORDS in the present continuous
now
at the moment
today
look
listen
--> KEYWORDS help you to know you have to use the present continuous.
You never listen to the teacher!
Present simple
Present continuous
What tense is it? Amy and John are walking to school.
Present Simple
Present continuous
The keyword in the sentence shows the tense is present simple. Every Sunday we go to grandma.
True
False
Other key words for the present simple
KEYWORDS in the present simple
never, always, usually, often, .... --> adverbs of frequency
every (Monday, week, year, day, ...)
each (Monday, week, year, day...)
My brother is always singing this annoying song!
Present simple
Present continuous
Annoyance
Adverbs of frequence can also be used when you are annoyed.
It is repeatedly done.
e.g. They are always talking in class.
e.g. They are never listening to a word I say.
Daily routines
Permanent situations
Timetables
General truths
Every morning I eat a kiwi.
I live in Ghent with my parents.
We have to go! The bus leaves at 8:30!
London is a large city.
Present simple USE
routines e.g. I have a shower every morning
sequence of events/actions e.g. I have a shower, I put on clothes, I h have breakfast and I leave for school.
permanent situations e.g. I live with my parents
general truths e.g. The sun rises in the east. I live in &
Which one is correct?
She is thinking it is important
She thinks it is important.
Which one is correct?
She is thinking about the problem.
She thinks about the problem.
What is the translation of think in the first sentence? She thinks it is important.
Which one is correct?
The boy is looking cold.
The boy looks cold.
Which one is correct?
I'm looking for my keys.
I look for my keys.
What does look mean in the first sentence? The boy looks cold.
I'm looking forward to Christmas. Translate!
Non-action verbs
I’m liking English
I’m not caring about her
I’m not understanding the text
She is thinking that it is important
The snow is looking cold
--> Are not used in the present continuous in this context!
Different uses
She thinks it is important.
She is thinking about him.
The school has one large room.
She is having breakfast.
I am having fun.
I am having a shower.
vinden
denken
hebben
eten
plezier maken
nemen
See grammar survey + schemes on SS