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Simple Present – Present Progressive – contrasted

Differences and similarities in the Simple Present and the Present Progressive

1. Use

Simple Present	Present Progressive/Continuous
repeated actions fixed arrangements, scheduled events (e.g. timetable) sequence of actions in the present (first - then, after that) instructions things in general after special verbs	actions happening at the moment of speaking or around the moment of speaking fixed plan in the near future temporary actionstrends repeated actions which are irritating to the speaker (with always, constantly, forever)

2. Signal words

Simple Present	Present Progressive/Continuous
always often usually sometimes seldom never every day every week every year on Mondays	now at the moment Look! Listen!

3. Form

Simple Present	Present Progressive/Continuous
infinitive → 3rd person singular (he, she, it): infinitive + -s	to be (am, are, is) + infinitive + -ing

4. Examples

4.1. Affirmative sentences

Simple Present	Present Progressive
I play football.	I am playing football.
You play football.	You are playing football.
He plays football.	He is playing football.

4.2. Negative sentences

Simple Present	Present Progressive
I do not play football.	I am not playing football.
You do not play football.	You are not playing football.
He does not play football.	He is not playing football.

4.3. Questions

Simple Present	Present Progressive
Do I play football?	Am I playing football?
Do you play football?	Are you playing football?
Does he play football?	Is he playing football?

5. Spelling

Simple Present	Present Progressive/Continuous
watches (-es after sibilant) goes (-es after -o) hurries (Change -y to -ie after consonant)	sitting (Double the consonant after a short vowel.) writing (Drop the -e.) lying (Change -ie to -y.)