Present Simple Vs. Present Continuous Tense
In this article we will compare the following two tenses:
Present Simple (I do) Vs. Present Continuous (I am doing)
Use Case 1: Habits and Repeated actions
Concept 1
For habits or things that happen on a regular basis (routine/habitual action) - We use the Present Simple.
I generally go to bed at 10.30 PM.
Sun sets in the west.
However, when talking about an obstinate habit (which persists in spite of advice or warning), we use the Present Continuous with an adverb like always, continually, constantly.
My son is fast becoming a problem child. He is constantly picking fights in his school.
Concept 2
Also, for repeated actions or events that are happening at or around the time of speaking (temporary action) - We use the Present Continuous.
I am hearing a lot of complaints about your behaviour these days.
Why are you running around?
Use Case 2: Temporary and Permanent situations
If situation is permanent - We use the Present Simple tense.
If situation is temporary (for sure or probably) - We use Present Continuous tense.
Banks offer credit cards to make more profits as interest rates are higher in this segment. (this is what usually happens, i.e. situation is permanent)
Banks are offering more credit cards (these days) to give a boost to their profit margins. (it implies a temporary arrangement)
Stephen Hawking teaches Physics at the University of Cambridge. (it implies a permanent arrangement)
Stephen Hawking is teaching Physics at the University of Cambridge. (implies that this is not, or may not be, permanent, i.e. it’s probably a temporary arrangement)
Use Case 3: Commentary, Instructions and Story telling
In commentaries (e.g. on sports events), while giving instructions, telling a story or joke - We often describe the:
- main events using the Simple Present (or Past) tense and
- longer, background events using the Present (or Past) continuous.
Commentary: Rabada balls a bouncer and Ponting pulls it over mid wicket. He’s playing magnificently in this innings…
Story telling: He goes (or went) up to this goon and looks (or looked) straight into his eyes. He’s carrying (or was carrying) a sack with teddy bears in it…
Instructions: You hold your right toe in your left hand. Right, you are holding it; now you touch it with your nose.
In broadcast commentaries on sporting events to describe activities in progress (where there is stress on the succession of happenings rather than on the duration) – We use the Simple Present (instead of the Present Continuous)
He pulls the bouncer, but Jonty Rhodes makes a brilliant save, and throws the ball back to the keeper in a jiffy.
Present Simple Vs. Present Continuous with respect to State Verbs
With state verbs (i.e. verbs describing states), we often prefer to use the simple present rather than the present continuous.
I really enjoy playing chess. (enjoy – simple present tense)
These are some of the common state verbs:
- Verbs of Perception - see, taste, smell, hear, notice, recognize.
- Verbs of Thinking Process - think, know, realise, mean, mind, remember, suppose, assume, consider.
- Verbs Showing Possession - own, have, belong, comprise, possess, contain, consist.
- Verbs expressing Feelings or State of Mind – feel, regret, enjoy, believe, like, dislike, love, adore, want, wish, desire, hate, agree, disagree, trust, imagine, prefer, please, hope.
- Verbs in General - look, seem, appear, affect, resemble, cost, require, become, refuse.
But, there are some exceptions to this rule.
Exception 1
If we want to emphasise that a situation is temporary (around the present time) - We can use the present continuous even with some state verbs.
I consider her pretty lucky. (i.e. it’s my view)
I am considering resigning from my job. (i.e. I am thinking about it now – temporary situation)
Indians love watching Sachin Tendulkar bat. (i.e. they love it when Sachin Tendulkar bats)
Those Indians are loving watching Sachin Tendulkar bat. (Sachin Tendulkar is batting right now – temporary situation)
Exception 2
Some state verbs describe a temporary state (e.g. ache, feel, hurt, look (= seem)).
In such cases, there is little difference in meaning when we use the present simple and present continuous.
Are you fine? You look/are looking miserable.
Verbs that do not have ‘ing’ form cannot be used in any Continuous tense or Perfect Continuous tense. So, such verbs are used in Simple/Indefinite or Perfect Tenses.
You are knowing me. (incorrect – continuous tense not possible)
You know me. (correct; know – simple present)
You are getting to know me. (correct)
I have been knowing her for three years. (incorrect – perfect continuous tense not possible)
I have known her for three years. (correct; have known – perfect tense)
Extra Books and Tools
If you prefer to learn via books, or want some good English Grammar books for reference purposes, you may read this article which enlists some of the books recommended by us.