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The Simple Present and the Present Progressive/Continuous are the first two tenses that you learn when you first start studying English. Because of this, many students who have been studying English for a long time don’t want to practice them anymore because they think these tenses are too easy.

Unfortunately, even advanced students can have a hard time using these two basic tenses correctly. If you are one of these students, there is nothing to be ashamed of. You simply have to review and practice in order to master them. If you are to speak English perfectly as many of you want to, you must know how to use these two basic tenses well. In fact, because they are so basic, messing them up when you speak or when you write only highlights you’re inability to use English correctly.
  • MASTER something – know it very well.
  • MESSING something UP – making mistakes
  • HIGHLIGHT – makes something clear or obvious
Do keep in mind that mastering language means being able to use (speak and write) it correctly. This means that simply knowing the rules and being able to fill in the blanks in grammar exercises does not cut it. You have to practice it many times until you get it right. There’s just no way around it.
  • DOES NOT CUT IT – It isn’t enough.
  • THERE NO WAY AROUND IT – There’s no other way.
So, assuming that you already know the structure. Here’s the skinny on how and when to use the simple present and the present continuous.
  • THE SKINNY – the information; the facts.

THE SIMPLE PRESENT:
1.  Use the simple present when you talk about facts.
  • He works at City Hall.
  • The President usually answers questions after his speeches.
2.  Use the simple present when you talk about actions you do regularly.
  • He gets up at 6 a.m. every day.
  • They travel abroad every summer.
3.  Use the simple present when you talk about schedules, even for future events.
  • My flight leaves at 8 p.m. tomorrow night.
  • Our meeting starts at 3 p.m. tomorrow afternoon.

THE PRESENT PROGRESSIVE/CONTINUOUS:
1.  Use the present continuous when you talk about actions happening now.
  • I can’t talk to you right now; I’m washing dishes.
  • They’re swimming in the pool right now.
2.  Use the present progressive when talking about actions that are temporary or happening these days.
  • We’re looking for a new apartment these days.
  • They’re staying with some friends until they find an apartment.
3.  Use the present continuous when you talk about actions that are set/scheduled to happen in the future.
  • I’m meeting Sally later after work, and we’re visiting her mom at the hospital.
  • We’re moving to a new apartment next month.
There you have it, folks. Start with these rules. Review them. Keep them in mind as you are speaking or writing, and begin to get them right and eliminate some basic mistakes in your English.

Do you have any questions? Please feel free to write a comment or you can email me directly by clicking “contact” above.

Good luck!
Joe
your small English guide

Written by Joe, the small English guide

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