Present simple or present continuous?

Many students ask me about the difference between Present Simple and Present Continuous verb tenses in English. When should you use each one, and in what situations can be a little confusing. 

Let’s take a quick look: 

Present Simple:

We use present simple when we talk about things that happen regularly, habits, or general truths.

Examples:

• I always wake up at 7 AM.
• Dogs bark.
• The sun rises in the east.

Present Continuous:

We use present continuous when we talk about things happening right now or around now, temporary actions, or changes.

Examples:

• I am watching a movie.
• She is playing tennis.
• It is raining outside.

So, if you are talking about something that you do all the time or stating a fact, use present simple. If you are talking about something happening at this moment or for a limited time, use present continuous. 

Remember, present simple is like a routine, and present continuous is for things in progress.

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