Present Simple vs Present Continuous: Exploring the Differences

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 2

Present Simple vs Present Continuous: Exploring the Differences

Learning Objective

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

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

Which sentence is in the present simple tense?

1. She plays tennis every weekend.
2. He is going to the gym after work.
3. I am watching a movie right now.
4. They are studying for their exams.

Which sentence is in the present continuous tense?

1. I eat breakfast at 7 am every day.
2. He goes to the gym after work.
3. They are studying for their exams.
4. She plays tennis every weekend.

What is the correct form of the verb 'to be' in present simple for 'I'?

1. be
2. am
3. is
4. are

What is the correct form of the verb 'to be' in present continuous for 'she'?

1. is
2. am
3. be
4. are

Which adverb of frequency is commonly used with present simple tense?

1. at the moment
2. always
3. now
4. currently

Introduction to Tenses

The present simple is used for habits, routines, and facts. The present continuous is used for actions happening now or around the present time.

Forming the Present Simple

Subject + base form of the verb (+s/es for 3rd person singular). Example: She works in a hospital.

Forming the Present Continuous

Subject + am/is/are + present participle (-ing form of the verb). Example: They are playing football.

Practice Exercises

Complete the sentences with the correct form of the present simple or present continuous.

She usually (go) to the gym in the evenings.

1. go
2. is going
3. going
4. goes

I (study) for my exams at the moment.

1. study
2. studies
3. am studying
4. studying

They (not / watch) TV right now.

1. not watching
2. are not watching
3. do not watch
4. are not watching

He usually (work) as a chef, but now he's a teacher.

1. work
2. works
3. working
4. is working

I (not / like) coffee, I prefer tea.

1. am not liking
2. not liking
3. do not like
4. do not liking

Write down at least one thing you have 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.

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Challenge Present Simple tense

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