present simple vs present continuous

Present Simple vs.. at the moment, currently, at present, now, meanwhile, etc.. Verbs Action and non-action verbs only action verbs... Action verbs vs.. Non-actions verbsExample act, bit

Present Simple vs Present Continuous

Form

S + V/V-s/es

S + am/is/are + V-ing

S + am/is/are

S + modal verbs + V-inf

Uses • things that are always true

• habits

• actions in progress

• future arrangements

Spelling notes lives, studies, watches living, studying, setting

Signals

• adverbs of frequency (always, usually, sometimes, etc.)

• every + …

• once a week, twice a month, etc

• on Mondays, etc

at the moment, currently, at present, now, meanwhile,

etc

Verbs Action and non-action verbs only action verbs

Action verbs vs Non-actions verbs

Example

act, bite, cut, dig, do, eat, fill, fall, go, hunt, improve, jog, keep, listen, meet, notice, open, prepare, run, sing, teach, use, view, etc.

agree, be, believe, belong, depend, forget, hate, hear, know, like, love, matter, mean, need, prefer, realize, recognize, seem, suppose, etc.

CONTINUOUS tenses

Some verbs have an action and non-action meaning.

Example:

HAVE:

– I have a big flat (=possession)

 Non-action

– I’m having lunch (=eating)

 Action

• Work in groups.

• Look at each of the following pictures in 30 seconds and try to remember as many details as possible

• Make as many sentences as possible to describe the pictures

Use both Present Simple (at least 2 sentences) and Present

Continuous tenses.

• Which group has the most sentences will win.