1. PRESENT SIMPLE - PRESENT CONTINUOUS
The simple present tense is used for two
main types of action:
Actions which happen regularly
HABITS (for example, every day or every
week)
Things which do not often change
STATES (for example, opinions and
conditions)

2. Some examples, present simple
Type of action Example Explanation
John goes to class every day 'Every day' is a habit
It rains a lot in Vancouver This means that it rains often
Habit Peter always talks about his 'Always' means this is a habit
family
Jerry spends Christmas with This implies that he spends Christmas with
his family his parents every year
Bianca lives in Florida This is a state, because it doesn't change
Jen has red hair Someone's hair doesn't usually change
State Martin likes chocolate When we like something, usually we will
always like it
Ana believes in God Beliefs and opinions are states. They don't
often change.

3. PRESENT SIMPLE - PRESENT CONTINUOUS
The present continuous tense is used for two
main types of action
Something which is going on
A TEMPORARY ACTION
right now (but will stop in the
AHPPENING NOW
future)
A DEFINITE PLAN FOR THE Something we intend to do in the
FUTURE near future.

4. Some examples, present continuous
Type of action Example Explanation
John is winning the game Right now John is winning the game
It's rainign outside It's raining right now (but it may stop soon)
Temporary
action Soraya is working in the She's working there right now
library
happening
right now Jerry is spending Christmas He's spending Christmas with his family right
with his family now
I'm playing soccer tomorrow This plan is already arranged and definite
Sara's leaving for San
Francisco on Friday She has probably already bought the ticket
Definite plan
for the future The olympics are taking
place here next year This is already certain