Present Simple / Continuous (Advanced moments)

Present Simple vs. Present Continuous

Present Continuous

This tense is all about movement, change, and drama—perfect for things happening right now or around this time.

✅ In progress at this moment:
📖 I’m writing a book.
🧘‍♀️ I’m doing yoga now.

✅ Temporary situations:
🌍 This month, I’m learning Italian.
📚 This summer, I’m taking an English course.

✅ Annoying habits (with always)
😤 You’re always throwing away my stuff!‍

Present Simple

It tells us about things that are true, regular, or official—like a news anchor or a football commentator.

✅ Performance verbs (no drama, just facts!) When something is straightforward, like giving a formal apology or admitting something, the resent

Simple keeps it real:
🙏 We apologize for not replying sooner.

✅ Sports commentary (fast & direct)
⚽ Look! He runs, he shoots… he scores!

✅ Headlines (big news, no fluff)
📰 PM of Great Britain resigns.

Mixing Present Simple & Present Continuous

For storytelling, combine these tenses to create contrast between background and main actions!

👀 Scene setting (Present Continuous):

‍🐕 Look! The dog is chasing the cat!
🌳 The cat is climbing the tree!‍

🎬 Main events (Present Simple for dramatic effect):

‍ 🏃‍♂️ The dog stops… The cat jumps… And—oh no!—the dog runs away!

👉 Why does this work?

• Present Continuous = background action, things in motion
• Present Simple = key events, short and dramatic moments

Stative Verbs

Some verbs prefer to stay in the Present Simple—they describe feelings, thoughts, and senses.

 Feelings: You don’t have to act on how you feel—it’s already clear.

• I like this movie. (Not: I am liking this movie.)

Thoughts and opinions: These aren’t temporary actions—they’re your permanent beliefs.

• I believe in hard work. (Not: I am believing in hard work.)

Senses: You see something, but you’re not doing it, so no Present Continuous here.

• I see you. (Not: I am seeing you.)

⚠️ But some stative verbs break the rules!

✔ You are being friendly today. (= acting friendly now, not always)
✔ I am seeing someone. (= dating)
✔ I am having a great time! (= experiencing fun)