PPP_pr_cont_GPPT_2.

4.4

Present Simple and Present Continuous

When do we use the Present Simple and the Present Continuous?

We use the Present Simple to talk about habits and routines.

We use the Present Continuous to talk about something happening now/at the moment.

I usually have a sandwich for lunch, but today I ’m having soup.

We don’t often watch TV after school, but we ’re watching it now.

Why are you cooking , Mum? Dad always cooks on Saturdays.

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How many verbs can you find in the Present Simple? And how many in the Present Continuous?

Igor usually sits next to the window in class, but he isn’t sitting there today. Is he feeling ill? Or are he and his family having a holiday? People don’t usually go on holiday at this time of year because it rains a lot. But it isn’t raining at the moment. Maybe he’s lying in the sun.

There are three verbs in the Present Simple.

There are five verbs in the Present Continuous.

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When do we use the Present Simple and the Present Continuous?

Present Simple

Present Continuous

To talk about something happening now.

To talk about habits and routines.

I

’ m playing

go

to bed after midnight.

a computer game at the moment.

I usually

a shower right now.

Noah

’ s having

TV in the morning.

watches

Jack never

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Practice Time

Read the information and make two sentences about the people. Use the Present Simple and Present Continuous.

• Jim doesn’t usually eat meat.

He’s eating a hamburger at the moment.

• Gwen _______________________________________.

She _________________________________________.

• Jack _________________________________________.

He ___________________________________________.

• Luke and Seb ______________________________.

They _________________________________________.

• Cara and I __________________________________.

We __________________________________________.

usually

Jim

Gwen

not eat meat

at the moment

feel happy

eat a hamburger

Jack

Luke and Seb

not feel well

not work hard at school

wear tracksuits

do homework

Cara and I

wear shirts

not enjoy classes

have fun

usually feels happy

isn’t feeling well at the moment

doesn’t usually work hard at school

’ s doing homework at the moment

usually wear tracksuits.

are wearing shirts at the moment.

don’t usually enjoy classes

’ re having fun at the moment

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