Present Simple and Present Continuous

Present Simple (subject + v₁/v₅ + object)

• We use the present simple:
  • to refer to scientific facts and universal truths
    • Water boils at 100 °C.
    • The sun rises in the east.
  • to refer to specific routines or habits
    • I wake up at six o’ clock every morning.
  • with adverbs of frequency
    • We usually smile because we are friendly.
• We usually use the present simple with state verbs (think, feel, believe, know, seem, appear, like, consist, have, belong)
  • I believe he is an honest person.
• We often use the present simple
  • to describe events shown in a picture
    • The river flows calmly.  
  • in news headlines
    • The Prime Minister Dahal inaugurates a hospital in Biratnagar.
  • in television or radio commentaries on sports or other ongoing events
    • And Ravi heads the ball to Gaurav – who kicks … and it’s a goal!
• We use the present simple in the expressions Here come(s) … and There go(es) …
  • There goes Mike, looking as cheerful as usual.
• We use the present simple with verbs like promise, agree, assure and demand, which are used to perform the act they describe.
  • I promise I won’t be late.

Present Continuous (subject + am/is/are + v₄ + object)

• We use the present continuous to refer to activities, situations and changes happening now/around now.
  • They are playing football in the backyard.
• We can use present continuous with indefinite adverbs of frequency (e.g. always, constantly, forever) to refer to regular behavior which is typical, habitual and predictable.
  • Psychologist are forever arguing about this question.
• We sometimes use the present continuous in this way to criticize or express disapproval.
  • Sally’s always losing things. She should be more careful.
• When we describe an action or event with the present simple, we can use the present continuous to refer to activities, situations and changes happening around the same time.
  • If you watch a group of friends bowling, it looks as if they’re always smiling.

Present Simple or Present Continuous

• The present simple is much more common than the present continuous, and it is the best form to use if you are not sure.
• We usually use the present simple to refer to situations which we see as permanent, and the present continuous to refer to situations which we see as temporary. Note the difference:
  • Tom lives in Rome. He works as a lawyer for a big Italian company. (Rome is his permanent base.)
  • Jane is living in Rome at the moment. She is working as an English teacher. (She is in Rome temporarily, e.g. for one year.)
• When we tell stories or give instructions, we use the present simple to describe the shorter actions and events and the present continuous to describe the longer situations or background activity.
  • Gavin and his wife are sitting at home one evening when the telephone rings and their lives change for ever.
  • First, you fry the onion in a little oil. While the onion’s cooking, you chop the vegetables.
• Although we usually use the present simple with state verbs, we can use the present continuous if we are talking about an ongoing present process rather than a fact.
  • She’s feeling good after a good shot.
• Some verbs (e.g. hear, see, think, appear) can be state verbs or action verbs, but with a different meaning.
  • What do you think of Jan’s new hairstyle? (= What’s your opinion about it?)
  • I’m thinking of taking a few days off. (= I’m considering the possibility of doing it.)
• In the present simple, see and hear have different meanings.
  • I see him every day. (= I see)
  • I see what you mean. (= I understand)
  • I hear you loud and clear. (= I hear)
  • I hear you’re coming to stay. (= I have been told)
• We use the present simple with verbs like hope and look forward to in formal situations, and we use the present continuous if we want to sound more informal and less direct.
  • We very much hope you will be able to attend.
  • We’re really hoping you’ll be able to come.
  • I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
  • I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Source: Active Grammar, Level 3, Mark Lloyd and Jeremy Day, CUP, 2011 (With Ramrowriter’s adaptation where necessary)