Present Simple or Present Continuous – Comparison

What is the difference between the present simple and present continuous tenses in English?

Note: The present continuous tense is also called the present progressive tense.

This table gives a summary of the main differences.

Present simple	Present Continuous
Facts and things that are generally true – Cows eat grass.	Actions that are happening at the moment of speaking – The cow is eating right now.
Permanent or long-term situations – David lives in the town centre.	Temporary or changing situations – David is living with his sister at the moment. Oil prices are increasing.
Habits or things that happen regularly – I always go to the gym.	Changing habits or annoying/negative habits – I have more muscle because I’m going to the gym more often. – Students are always complaining.
Timetables or schedules – The shop opens at 10 am tomorrow.	Fixed future plans or arrangements – I’m seeing my sister on Saturday.
Stative verbs – I own a coat.	Dynamic verbs (used in simple and continuous tenses) – I’m buying a coat.

There are many other uses of the present simple and the present continuous.

Present Simple – Use →

Present Continuous – Use →

Kahoot Quiz – Present Simple or Present Continuous

Present Simple Exercises

• Present Simple – Be – Positive
• Present Simple – Be – Negative
• Present Simple – Be – Questions
• Present Simple – Be – Mixed
• Present Simple – Positive
• Present Simple – Negative
• Present Simple – Questions
• Present Simple – Mixed

Present Continuous Exercises

• Present Continuous – Positive
• Present Continuous – Negative
• Present Continuous – Questions
• Present Continuous – Mixed
• Present Simple or Present Continuous
• The -ing Form – Spelling Practice