Lesson 6 · Present Continuous

Simple or Continuous

Simple or continuous

English separates a habit from a process in progress. The choice depends on the time marker and on the meaning of the verb.

The marker, then the verb

Simpleevery day, usually, always show repetition or a habit
Continuousnow, right now, at the moment, today, this week show a process that is happening now or for a while
without -ingknow, understand, like, want, need, have (= own) describe a state and stay in the simple form

Signal

every day

at the moment

know / want / need

Time

Present Simple

Present Continuous

Present Simple

Example

I work every day.

I am working at the moment.

I know the answer now.

She works at the office every day, but she is working at home this week.

Lesson 6 · Present Continuous

Simple or continuous

English separates a habit from a process in progress. The choice depends on the time marker and on the meaning of the verb.

Simpleevery day, usually, always show repetition or a habit
Continuousnow, right now, at the moment, today, this week show a process that is happening now or for a while
without -ingknow, understand, like, want, need, have (= own) describe a state and stay in the simple form

Signal

every day

at the moment

know / want / need

Time

Present Simple

Present Continuous

Present Simple

Example

I work every day.

I am working at the moment.

I know the answer now.

She works at the office every day, but she is working at home this week.