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Present simple or present continuous?

Present simple: I work Present continuous: I am working

Permanent and temporary​

Compare

She lives with her parents.We use the present simple to talk about permanent facts and general truths. In this example we don’t expect the situation to change.
She’s living with her parents.We use the present continuous to talk about something temporary.In this example we do expect the situation to change.

Compare

They speak Portuguese in Brazil.A general, permanent fact.
A: What language are they speaking?B: They’re speaking Portuguese.It’s happening now. I can hear it.

Compare

Hani smiles a lot.A general fact or characteristic about Hani.
What are you smiling about?An action around now.

Verbs not often used in the present continuous​

Some verbs are normally used in the present simple and not in the present continuous. Here are some of them:

  • know, suppose, think, understand (mental process verbs)
  • admire, adore, detest, hate, like, respect (verbs expressing feelings)
  • smell, taste (verbs describing the senses)
  • consist, contain, last (verbs describing permanent qualities)
  • promise, swear (speech act verbs)
  • You could ask Greg if he can help. He knows a bit about cars.
  • Not: He’s knowing a bit about cars.
  • Those batteries don’t last very long.
  • Not: Those batteries aren’t lasting very long.
  • Each chapter contains authentic reading texts and a variety of listening and speaking activities.
  • Not: Each chapter is containing …
  • I swear I gave you back the keys.
  • Not: I’m swearing I gave you back the keys.

Be in the present continuous​

We use be in the present continuous to talk about current actions or behaviour rather than about a quality or characteristic.

Compare

I think she’s being really really rude.I think she’s rude.
Her behaviour now.A characteristic of her; she’s a rude person.
See also
  • Present simple (I work)
  • Present continuous (I am working)