Present simple and continuous

SIMPLE & CONTINUOUS

- you studied the present simple in lesson 3 and lesson 4

- you studied the present continuous in lesson 15

 

PRESENT SIMPLE

 

- used for things that happen every day, regularly

 

• I get up at 6 o’clock.

• Where do you work?

- often used with frequency adverbs: always, often, sometimes, usually,…

• I always go by car.

• She often thinks about it.

 

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

- used for things that are happening now (or this hour, this day, this week,...)

• I am eating now. Call me later.

• She is studying German.

BE CAREFUL – there are some exceptions!!!!

There are verbs which never make continuous forms. These verbs express some STATES, physical or psychological. They are about things that are not dynamic.

BELIEVE, WANT, KNOW, UNDERSTAND, etc

• I want to go home. (not: I am wanting…)

• She knows me. (not: she is knowing me….)

Some verbs can change their meaning:

– What do you think about me? (your opinion)

– What are you thinking about? (what is in your mind now)

– I have a car. (it is my property)

– I am having a shower. ( I am showering)