Present simple:I workPresent continuous:I am working
Permanent and temporary
| We use the present simple to talk about permanent facts and general truths. In this example we don’t expect the situation to change. |
| We use the present continuous to talk about something temporary. In this example we do expect the situation to change. |
| A general, permanent fact. |
| It’s happening now. I can hear it. |
| A general fact or characteristic about Hani. |
| An action around now. |
Verbs not often used in the present continuous
Some verbs are normally used in the present simple and not in the present continuous. Here are some of them:
know, suppose, think, understand(mental process verbs)
admire, adore, detest, hate, like, respect(verbs expressing feelings)
smell, taste(verbs describing the senses)
consist, contain, last(verbs describing permanent qualities)
promise, swear(speech act verbs)
You could ask Greg if he can help. Heknowsa bit about cars.
Not:He’s knowing a bit about cars.
Those batteries don’tlastvery long.
Not:Those batteries aren’t lasting very long.
Each chaptercontainsauthentic reading texts and a variety of listening and speaking activities.
Not:Each chapter is containing…
IswearI gave you back the keys.
Not:I’m swearing I gave you back the keys.
Bein the present continuous
We usebein the present continuous to talk about current actions or behaviour rather than about a quality or characteristic.
|
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Her behaviour now. | A characteristic of her; she’s a rude person. |
See also:
Present simple (I work)
Present continuous (I am working)