Present Simple vs. Present Continuous

• Use the present simple for routines, facts, and permanent situations. Use the present continuous for actions happening now, temporary tasks, and current projects.
• Tense
• Use
• Example
• Present Simple
• Habits and routines
• Mark checks the budget every Friday in Chicago.
• Present Continuous
• Temporary actions now
• Susan is preparing a report right now in Boston.
• Remember
• Use present simple with adverbs of frequency like always, usually, and often.
• Use present continuous with time expressions like at the moment, right now, and these days.
• Do not use action verbs in the continuous form for permanent states.
• Examples
• David usually starts work at nine in New York.
• Jessica is working on a new catalog this month.
• Common mistakes
• I am working in London every day.
• I work in London every day.
• Look! Linda read a financial report.
• Look! Linda is reading a financial report.

Complete the sentences

• Brian usually (check) ____ the invoices in Seattle.
• Listen! Sarah (talk) ____ about the price list.
• We (not work) ____ on Saturdays in Chicago.
• What (you / do) ____ right now?
• Kevin (prepare) ____ the presentation at the moment.
• Karen always (plan) ____ the budget in Boston.

Sources: photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels