Present Simple vs Present Continuous in English

Present Simple vs Present Continuous

Present Simple

For habits, general truths, permanent situations, scheduled events. Form: Subject + base verb (+ s/es).

• I wake up at 7 AM every day.
• Water boils at 100°C.
• She works in a hospital.
• The train leaves at 6 PM.

Present Continuous

For actions now, temporary situations, future arrangements. Form: am/is/are + verb-ing.

• I am writing an email now.
• He is staying with his aunt this month.
• We are meeting tomorrow at 5 PM.

Exercise

Choose the correct tense:

1. She usually (walk) to school, but today she (take) the bus.
2. Listen! Somebody (sing).
3. Water (freeze) at 0°C.

See Comparative and Superlative and Wh-Questions.