Present Simple vs Present Continuous

• The difference between present simple and present continuous is outlined

Present Simple

• Used for things that are always true
• Water boils at 100 degrees.
• Used for situations that are permanent or nearly permanent, lasting a few years
• Julie lives in London.
• Used for habits or things done regularly
• I drink coffee every morning.
• Used for future events that follow a set timetable
• My plane leaves at eight tonight.
• Used to talk about the future after specific words like 'when', 'until', 'after', 'before', 'as soon as'
• I'll call you when I get home.
• Used to describe events in books, plays, and films
• At the end of the book, the detective catches the killer.

Present Continuous

• Used for actions happening at the moment of speaking
• The water is boiling now, so you can put in the pasta.
• Used for temporary situations
• Julie is living in Paris for a few months (usually she lives in London).
• Used for situations that are slowly changing
• I'm getting better and better at speaking English.
• Used for temporary or new habits
• I'm drinking too much coffee these days because I'm so busy at work.
• Used for annoying habits, often with "always"
• My flatmate is always leaving the kitchen in a mess!
• Used for definite future plans
• I'm meeting John after class today.
• Used to describe people in pictures and photos
• In this photo, my mother is walking beside a lake.

Important Note

• Simple present is used with stative verbs.
• Continuous tenses cannot be used with stative verbs.