Present Simple vs Present Continuous
Simple = habits; continuous = happening now.
Examples
- I drink tea every day.
- I am drinking tea now.
Key rules
- Present simple is for habits and permanent facts; present continuous (be + -ing) is for actions now or around now
- Time words: every day, usually (simple) and now, at the moment (continuous)
- Continuous can also show temporary situations (I am staying with a friend)
- Stative verbs do not use the continuous
Common mistakes
- I am going to school every day โ I go to school every day
- She reads now โ She is reading now
๐ก Tip: Ask: is it a habit or is it happening now?