Simple present tense
We use the simple present tense to talk about things that happen repeatedly or all the time. This is also the tense form that we use to talk about general truths and facts.
- Light travels faster than sound.
- I wake up early in the morning.
- Heat expands bodies.
Note that in the simple present tense, the verb takes the marker -s when the subject is a singular noun or pronoun.
- He eats a lot. (NOT He eat a lot.)
- She donates to charities. (NOT She donate to charities.)
In the simple present tense, we make questions and negatives with do and does. Use do when the subject is a plural noun or pronoun. Use do when the subject is the first person singular pronoun I.
Use does when the subject is a singular noun or pronoun.
- Do you speak Spanish?
- Does he know where you are?
- They do not waste money on useless things.
- Sam does not have a passport.
- We do not encourage such practices.
- Do pigeons make nests?
- The house does not have a garden.
Present continuous tense
The present continuous is used to talk about actions or situations that are going on at the moment of speaking.
It is commonly used with the time expressions now, at the moment, these days etc.
- He is working on a new project at the moment.
- I am reading a novel.
- The water is boiling.
- We are all waiting for you.
- What are you doing now?
Sometimes, we use the present continuous tense to talk about an action that is not happening at the time of speaking.
Consider this situation. I am typing on the computer at the moment. These days, I am also working on a new project. I am not working on that project at the time of speaking, but I have started that project and I have not finished it yet.
So, we can say I am working on a new project these days.
Likewise, we can say I am reading a new novel at the moment.
I am not exactly reading at the moment of speaking, but I have started reading it and I have not finished it yet. That means I am in the middle of reading it.
- They are building a new house.
- He is looking for a job.
The present continuous is also used to talk about pre-planned future events.
- We are moving into our new home next week.
- They are getting married in August.
The present continuous is commonly used with the following verbs to talk about changes happening around now.
Get, change, become, increase, rise, fall, grow, improve, begin, start
- It is getting dark.
- The world is changing rapidly.
- Prices are rising.
- He is starting a new job next week.
- He is growing taller.
- It is starting to rain.
- World population is increasing fast.
Common mistake
The present continuous is used to talk about ongoing actions or situations. It is not used to talk about facts, general truths, preferences, likes, dislikes etc.
- I like mangoes. (NOT I am liking mangoes)
- She wants to be an astronaut. (NOT She is wanting to be an astronaut)
- Heat expands bodies. (NOT He is expanding bodies.)
