Present Continuous vs Present Simple: Choosing the Right Verb Tense

Present Continuous vs Present Simple: Choosing the Right Verb Tense

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will be able to correctly identify and use present continuous and present simple verb tenses.

Introduce the learning objective and emphasize the importance of mastering these verb tenses for effective communication.

What do you already know about the differences between present continuous and present simple?

Definition

Present continuous is used to describe actions happening right now, while present simple is used to describe actions that happen regularly or are always true.

Define the two verb tenses and give examples of each.

Form

Present continuous is formed with 'to be' + verb + '-ing', while present simple is formed with the base verb.

Explain how to form each verb tense and give examples.

Usage: Present Continuous

Use present continuous to describe actions happening right now, temporary actions, and changes happening over time.

Give multiple examples of each usage and encourage students to practice using present continuous in context.

Usage: Present Simple

Use present simple to describe actions that happen regularly or are always true, facts or opinions, and scheduled future events.

Provide examples of each usage and encourage students to practice using present simple in context.

Present Continuous vs Present Simple

Use present continuous for temporary actions and present simple for permanent or habitual actions.

Explain the key differences between the two verb tenses and provide examples to help clarify.

Practice: Present Continuous

Choose the correct verb tense: I (am / am being) late for my meeting.

Create interactive exercises to help students practice using present continuous in context.

Practice: Present Simple

Choose the correct verb tense: I (work / am working) at a bank.

Create interactive exercises to help students practice using present simple in context.

Common Errors

Common errors include using present continuous for permanent actions and forgetting to add '-ing' to the verb for present continuous.

Highlight common errors and provide examples to help students avoid these mistakes.

Conclusion

Present continuous and present simple are essential verb tenses for effective communication. With practice, you can master these verb tenses and improve your English skills.

Review the key takeaways from the lesson and encourage students to continue practicing outside of class.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.