Form
| I like | I am writing |
| You like | You are writing |
| She likes | She is writing |
| We like | We are writing |
| They like | They are writing |
| I don’t like | I’m not writing |
| You don’t like | You’re not/aren’t writing |
| He doesn’t like | He’s not/isn’t writing |
| We don’t like | We’re not/aren’t writing |
| They don’t like | They’re not/aren’t writing |
| Do I like? | Am I writing? |
| Do you like? | Are you writing? |
| Does she like? | Is she writing? |
| Do we like? | Are we writing? |
| Do they like? | Are they writing? |
We use the Present Simple for regular actions or events
I watch TV most evenings.
facts
The sun rises in the east
facts know about the future
The plane leaves at 5.00 in the morning
thoughts and feelings about the time of speaking
I don’t understand.
We use the Present Continuous at the time of speaking (‘now’)
things which are true at the moment but not always
I’m looking for a new job.
present plans for the future
I’m taking my husband to New York for his birthday.
Look at these example sentences
I’m thinking about dying my hair blonde but I don’t think my wife will be very happy about it.
I usually don’t drink coffee but I’m having one this morning because there is nothing else.
I often drive to work but I’m taking the train this morning because my car is in for repair.
My parents live in New York but I’m just visiting.
Notice how in all these examples we use the present continuous to talk about events which are temporary/limited in time and the present simple to talk about events which are habits/permanent.
Exercise