Present Simple vs Present Continuous

Present Simple

Structure: Subject + verb (+s/es)

The sun rises in the east.

Facts, routines, and schedules. Add -s for he/she/it.

Present Continuous

Structure: Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing

Look, it’s raining!

Something happening right now, or a temporary situation.

Signal Words

Structure: always, usually, every day vs now, right now, at the moment

I always drink tea. / I’m drinking tea right now.

These clue words tell you which tense to reach for.

Common Mistake

Structure: State verbs stay Simple

“I am liking this song.” ✗ → “I like this song.” ✓

Verbs like like, want, know, believe don’t usually take -ing.