Friday, March 13, 2015

Present Simple or Continuous

    We use the Present Simple
    • for regular actions or events 
      I watch TV most evenings.
    • facts 
      The sun rises in the east
    • facts know about the future 
      The plane leaves at 5.00 in the morning.
    • thoughts and feelings about the time of speaking
      I don't understand.
    We use the Present Continuous
    • at the time of speaking ('now')
      I'm watching a movie on TV.
    • things which are true at the moment but not always
      I'm looking for a new job.
    • present plans for the future
      I'm taking my husband to New York for his birthday.
    Look at these sentences:
    • I usually don't drink coffee but I'm having one this morning because there is nothing else.
    • I often drive to work but I'm taking the train this morning because my car is in for repair.
    • I'm thinking about dying my hair blonde but I don't think my wife will be very happy about it.
    • My parents live in New York but I'm just visiting.
    Notice how in all these examples we use the present continuous to talk about events which are temporary/limited in time and the present simple to talk about events which are habits/permanent.

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