Present Simple vs Present Continuous

In English, we have two main ways to talk about actions: the present simple and the present continuous. Knowing when to use each one helps us communicate better.

Present Simple

We use the present simple for:

1. Habitual Actions: Things we do regularly.
   • Example: "I play football every Sunday."
2. General Facts: Information that is always true.
   • Example: "Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius."
3. Scheduled Events: Things that are planned or on a timetable.
   • Example: "The train leaves at 6 PM."

Subject-Verb Agreement

In the present simple, the verb must match the subject:

• For I, you, we, they: use the base form (like play)
• For he, she, it: add -s or -es (like plays)

Present Continuous

We use the present continuous for:

1. Ongoing Activities: Actions that are happening right now.
   • Example: "I am playing football now."
2. Temporary Actions: Things that are happening for a short time.
   • Example: "She is staying with her aunt this week."

Making Questions and Negatives

• Questions in present simple: Do/Does + subject + base form?
  Example: "Do you play football?"

• Negatives in present simple: Subject + do/does not + base form
  Example: "He does not (doesn't) play football."

Modals

Words like can, could, may, might, should help us express:

• Ability: "I can swim."
• Possibility: "It might rain."
• Advice: "You should study."

Possessive Forms

Use possessive forms to show who owns something:

• My, your, his, her, its, our, their
  Example: "This is my book."

Summary

• Use present simple for habits and facts.
• Use present continuous for actions happening now.
• Remember to make sure the subject and verb match, how to ask questions, and how to use modals and possessive words. This will help you communicate well in English!