Present Time: Present Simple and Present Continuous Present Simple

We use the present simple:

1. for permanent situations: He works in a bank. I live in a flat.

for repeated actions, daily routines and habits: He takes the train to work every day. I use my mobile phone every day.

2. for general truths and laws of nature: Water boils at 100 degrees. The sun sets in the west.

3. for demonstrations, commentaries, reviews and plot summaries of a book or film: Peterson overtakes Williams and wins the race. (commentary) Mike Dalton plays the part of Macbeth. (review) The prince gets on his horse and quickly rides away. (plot summary)

4. for instructions, directions (instead of imperative): You sprinkle some cheese on the pizza and then you bake it. (instead of: sprinkle some cheese on the pizza) (instruction) “How do I get to the station?” “You go straight on to the traffic lights, then you turn left. (direction)

5. for fixed timetables (planes, trains, etc.) and programmes: The film doesn’t start until 8 p. m. (programme) The plane from Brussels arrives at 8:30. (timetable)

6. in time clauses with a future meaning after “when, if, after, as soon as, once (when), until, till): I’ll phone you after the film finishes.

7. in introductory expressions like “I hear, I see, I gather, I understand” (these expressions have a perfect or past meaning): I hear you’re getting married. I see there’s been trouble down at the factory.

Time expressions often used with Present Simple (Adverbs of Frequency)

a) Usually before the main verb or after auxiliary (do, does, has, have am, is, are) or modal verbs (can, could, should, must, etc.): never, rarely, hardly ever, seldom, occasionally, sometimes, frequently, often, usually, always, normally.

Susan often goes skiing. (before the main verb goes) Kim is sometimes rude to other people. (after the auxiliary is) You can always call me if you need help. (after the modal can)

Note: The expressions underlined can go at the beginning or at the end of a sentence for more emphasis. Usually, I finish work at five. I feel bored sometimes.

b) Usually at the beginning or at the end of a sentence: every day/week, etc., in the morning/evening, on Mondays/Tuesdays, once a week/ a day. We go to the cinema on Sundays.

Present Continuous (Progressive)

We use the present continuous:

1. for actions, taking place now, at the moment of speaking: I am using John’s mobile phone because I left mine at home. You’re eating too fast.

2. for temporary situations existing for a period of present time, but not at the actual moment of speaking: I’m looking for a new job these days. I’m staying with a friend at the moment.

3. for situations which are changing and developing during the present time, even if these are very long-lasting: That child is getting bigger every day. is getting hotter and hotter. The universe is expanding. More and more species are becoming extinct.

4. with expressions like “always, constantly, continually, etc.” for actions which happen very often, usually to express annoyance, irritation or anger: I’m always meeting Sara when I go shopping (action which happens very often) You’re constantly interrupting me when I’m talking (expressing annoyance or irritation)