My grammar notes

Present simple 1 – Present simple vs present continuous

Intermediate

Present ______

We use the present simple / present continuous for things that are always true or happen often. For example, look at these sentences.

All the students in the class have their own ways of expressing themselves through

their designs.

I have a lot in common with my classmates.

We often work on projects together.

We also meet outside class.

I usually get a lot of my inspiration from nature.

With present simple / present continuous, we use the following structure. Subject + verb + object

We go for a coffee.

Present ______

We use present simple / present continuous for things which are in progress now or around now

I’m really enjoying this course.

At the moment, I am designing some pieces for a fashion show.

The dress I’m working on now is inspired by the colour and texture of used sweet

wrappers.

We also use present simple / present continuous to describe a situation which is changing.

People are thinking more about how their lifestyle affects the environment.

myClass Intermediate | © British Council 1

myClass Intermediate | © British Council 2

We make present simple / present continuous statements with the following structure:

Subject + be + verb + ing

I am designing

I’m working

People are thinking

Sometimes we can use either the present simple or the present continuous, with a slight change of meaning.

We often work on projects together.

We are working on projects together.

When we use the present simple / present continuous it means that this usually happens. When we use the present simple / present continuous it means that this is happening at the moment.

In your notebook, write some sentences about things you usually do and things you are doing at the moment.