Understanding Tenses in English

Present Simple and continuous

Present simple:

1. We use present simple to talk about habits and routines.
   
   1. He starts working at nine o'clock.
      
   2. We see our friends every weekend.
      
   3. I often go running.
      
2. We use the present simple to talk about things that are permanent or always true.
   
   1. The moon goes around the earth.
      
   2. They live in Australia.
      
   3. Cats like fish
      
3. We use the present simple (not the present continuous ) with certain verbs, e.g. agree, believe, enjoy, hate, know, like, love, mean, prefer, remember, seem, think, understand, want, etc.
   
   1. I don't agree with you.
      
   2. Dogs don't like cats.
      
   3. They want to stay at home.
      

      
       

      Present continuous
      

      
       

1. We use the present continuous to talk about things that are happening now and things that are in the process of changing or developing.
   
   1. He is watching a film.
      
   2. They're having lunch.
      
   3. Digital cameras are getting cheaper.
      
2. We use the present continuous to talk about things that are temporary.
   
   1. Jack is working in the States till June.
      
   2. Jack's staying with Paula at the moment.
      

 

 

Test your Understanding.

Find the incorrect sentences.

1. Oh, no! It rains again!
   
2. Where do you live?
   
3. Are you speaking much English?
   
4. He doesn't usually listen to me.
   
5. I'm not wanting to go out tonight
   
6. John watches a film at the moment.
   
7. Paul comes from England.
   
8. I can't talk to you now. I drive the car.
   
9. I don't think you love me.
   
10. Cats are hating water.
    

    
     

    Answers
    

    
     

    1. Oh, no! It rains again! It is raining.
       
    2. correct
       
    3. Are you speaking much English? Do you speak
       
    4. correct
       
    5. I'm not wanting to go out tonight I don't want
       
    6. John watches a film at the moment. John is watching
       
    7. Correct
       
    8. I can't talk to you now. I drive the car. I'm driving
       
    9. Correct
       
    10. Cats are hating water. Cats hate