General English A2 · Lesson 4A

Grammar Bank

The rules behind this lesson — form, use, model sentences and the mistakes to avoid.

← Back to the lesson

Grammar focus of this lesson

Present simple vs. present continuous (+ stative verbs)

1 structure

Present simple vs present continuous
Simple = usually / always. Continuous = now / temporarily.
I've got this
Rules & form
- ›Routine and permanent → present simple.
- ›In progress now or this period → present continuous.
- ›Clues: every day, usually (simple) · now, today, at the moment (continuous).
Examples
- “I work in sales, but this month I'm covering support.”
- “She usually takes the bus, but today she's driving.”
- “What do you do? vs What are you doing?”
Watch out · State verbs (know, believe, own) stay in the simple form.
Your own example