Present continuous vs simple present: now or always
Vocalyra teaching team · Last updated:
English has two present forms. The simple present describes habits and facts; the present continuous describes actions happening now or around now. Choosing the wrong one is a classic learner error.
Simple present: habits and facts
Use the simple present for routines, schedules and things that are generally true: she works in a bank, the train leaves at eight, water boils at 100 degrees. Typical time words are always, usually, often, every day and on Mondays.
Present continuous: around now
Use am, is or are plus verb-ing for actions in progress at this moment (I am cooking dinner), temporary situations (we are staying with friends this week) and changing situations (your English is improving). Typical time words are now, right now, at the moment, today and this week.
| Simple present | Present continuous |
|---|---|
| I work from home. (my job) | I am working from home today. (temporary) |
| She plays tennis on Sundays. | She is playing tennis right now. |
| They live in Madrid. | They are living in Madrid this year. |
| The shop opens at nine. | Look, the shop is opening. |
Verbs that rarely take -ing
State verbs describe feelings, thoughts and possession, and they almost never use the continuous: know, like, love, want, need, believe, understand, have (for possession). You say I understand, not I am understanding. I'm loving it is also used informally to emphasize a temporary feeling, although most stative verbs normally take the simple present.
The continuous also expresses irritation with always: he is always leaving his keys at work suggests the habit annoys you, while he always leaves his keys simply states the fact. Future arrangements with a fixed time often take the continuous too: we are flying to Lisbon on Friday. Compare that with the simple present for timetables: the train leaves at nine. Both talk about the future, but the continuous points to a personal plan and the simple present to an official schedule.
Quick self-check
Choose: Listen! Someone (knocks / is knocking) at the door.
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is knocking
Choose: He (does not eat / is not eating) meat; he is vegetarian.
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does not eat
Choose: I (am needing / need) your help with this form.
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need
Choose: We (stay / are staying) with my sister until our flat is ready.
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are staying