Simple vs Continuous (A1 Grammar)

Simple = habits/facts. Continuous = happening now.

Quick tip: now / right now → Continuous. every day / always → Simple.

Simple: habits & facts

Use the Simple Present for routines and things that are always true.

• I work every day.
• She drinks coffee in the morning.
• He plays tennis on Saturdays.

Continuous: happening now

Use the Present Continuous for actions happening at this moment.

• I am working now.
• She is drinking coffee right now.
• Look! He is playing tennis.

How to build the continuous

Use am / is / are + verb -ing.

• I am working.
• She is reading.
• They are playing.

Let the time words guide you

every day, always, usually → Simple. now, right now, at the moment → Continuous.

• I usually work from home.
• I 'm working at the moment.
• She always reads, but she ’s reading now.

Common mistakes

• Not "I am working every day." — say "I work every day.". routines use the Simple Present.
• Not "She works now." — say "She is working now.". happening now = Continuous.
• Not "She reading now." — say "She is reading now.". don't forget am/is/are before the -ing verb.
• Not "He is playing on Saturdays." — say "He plays on Saturdays.". on Saturdays is a routine, so use Simple.

Practise it

NOW? → Continuous. HABIT? → Simple.