Unit 1: Present Simple & Present Continuous

BBC Learning English Lower Intermediate Session 2

Present Simple

Verb tense which we use for habits, routines, facts, and things that are always true. Example: I wake up at 6 a.m.

Present Continuous

Verb tense which we use for actions happening right now, temporary actions, and things happening around this moment. Example: I am studying English right now.

Present Simple Form

I / You / We / They + base verb.
Example: I work.
He / She / It + base verb + s / es.
Example: She works.

Present Continuous Form

am / is / are + verb + -ing
Ex: I am working. She is working. They are working.

I live in Toronto

(Live) To express a permanent situation.

I am living in Toronto right now

(Live) To express a temporary situation. Maybe you will move later.

Present Simple Signal Words

Always, Usually, Often, Sometimes, Never, Every day, Every week, on Mondays. Words that shows habit or routine.

Present Continuous Signal Words

Now, Right now, At the moment, Currently, This week, This month, Today (when used for temporary actions). These show something happening around now.

Stative Verbs

Are verbs that express a state of being, thought, or feeling rather than a physical action. They almost never use Present Continuous form. Ex: know, like, love, want, need, understand, believe, and have (meaning possession) .

Present Continuous for the future

We also use this tense to talk about planned future arrangements. Ex: I am meeting my friend tomorrow.