Present Simple or Present Continuous? A2 Usage Guide

Three young people with drinks are talking about present events, practising present simple and present continuous in English.

Let's learn about two different ways to describe things happening now (or around now): the present simple and the present continuous.

What is the difference?

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*Before You Start 🚀

First, learn how to form Present Simple vs Continuous:

Present Simple vs Continuous: How to Form | A2 Grammar

Then return here for when/how to use them correctly.

When to Use Present Simple

We use this for:

Things that happen regularly or :

I go to school every day.
She takes the bus to work. (daily)
He brushes his teeth twice a day.

Personal preferences, beliefs, things that are true about someone:

She likes ice cream.
I prefer coffee to tea.
He believes in ghosts.
We know French.
I understand you.

Facts or general truths (are always true):

Water boils at 100°C.
The sun rises in the east.
The Earth rotates around the Sun.
Cats sleep a lot.

Schedules or timetables:

The train leaves at 3 PM.
The shop opens at 9 AM.

When to Use Present Continuous

Review how to add the '-s' after base verbs in 3rd person singular when using Present Simple (thinks, goes, leaves...)

We use this for:

Things happening right now:

I am writing an email. (now)
They are playing football in the park. (now)

Temporary situations:

I'm staying with my grandparents this week.
She's working on a big project at the moment.

Future plans (that are already arranged):

We're having dinner with friends tonight. (future)
I'm flying to Paris next week. (future)

Easy Way to Remember:

Present Simple is for things that are always true or happen regularly. It is often used with the following verbs: know, understand, think, believe, prefer, want or like, hate, also have (just to mention a few).

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Present Continuous is for things happening now or around now. Interestingly, it can also refer to the future (an arranged plan)!

Examples to Compare:

"I play tennis." (Present Simple: I play regularly)

"I'm playing tennis." (Present Continuous: I'm playing right now)

"She works in a bank." (Present Simple: This is her job)

"She's working late today." (Present Continuous: Just for today)

"The Earth goes around the Sun." (Present Simple: Always true)

"The Earth is warming up." (Present Continuous: Happening these days)

Real-Life Dialogues: A2 Examples

Dialogue 1: Home & Routines (Morning chat)

Anna: What do you do every morning, Tom? (habit)
Tom: I get up at 7 and I drink coffee. What do you do? (habit)
Anna: I walk the dog. But right now, I 'm making breakfast. (happening now)
Tom: Nice! I see you 're wearing your apron again. (right now)

Dialogue 2: School & Classes (Break time)

Mia: Hi Sam! What do you study this year? (general fact)
Sam: English and Math. English is fun! What about you? (general feeling)
Mia: Science. Look, our teacher 's talking to the principal now. (happening now)
Sam: Yes, and the students 're playing football outside. (current action)

Dialogue 3: Work & Temporary Jobs (Café chat)

Leo: Where do you work, Sara? (permanent job)
Sara: In this café. I serve coffee every day. (everyday habit)
Leo: Cool! I 'm looking for a summer job now. (temporary)
Sara: Great! The boss needs someone this week. He 's interviewing people tomorrow. (planned near future)

Dialogue 4: Friends & Weekend Plans (Texting vibe)

Lila: Hey! What do you usually do on Saturdays? (habit)
Max: I meet friends or I watch movies. You? (habit)
Lila: I go shopping. But this weekend, I 'm staying home. My sister 's visiting me. (temporary)
Max: Nice! Family comes first. (general belief / principle)

Also explore

English Question Words and The Past Simple + Regular/Irregular Verbs for Past Tense

Continue to the Beginner Level English Resources for more topics and tips