Present continuous (I am doing) |
Present simple (I do) |
We use the continuous for things happening at or around the time of speaking. The action is not complete.![](../uploads/grammar/image/Unit3-a1.jpg) |
We use the simple for things in general or things that happen repeatedly.![](../uploads/grammar/image/Unit3-a2.jpg) |
- The water is boiling. Can you turn it off?
- Listen to those people. What language are they speaking?
- Let's go out. lt isn't raining now.
- 'I'm busy.' 'What are you doing?'
- I'm getting hungry. Let's go and eat.
- Kate wants to work in Italy, so she's learning Italian.
- The population of the world is increasing very fast.
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- Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
- Excuse me, do you speak English?
- lt doesn't rain very much in summer.
- What do you usually do at weekends?
- I always get hungry in the afternoon.
- Most people learn to swim when they are children.
- Every day the population of the world increases by about 200,000 people.
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We use the continuous for temporary situations:
- I'm living with some friends until I find a place of my own.
- A: You're working hard today.
B: Yes, I have a lot to do.
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We use the simple for permanent situations:
- My parents live in London. They have lived there all their lives.
- Joe isn't lazy. He works hard most of the t ime.
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