Present – Permanent & Non-Permanent Situations
Simple Present and Present Progressive
1. Simple Present
KEY IDEA: usually, always, often, every day, generally, never
Use the Simple Present for:
She works every day.
Water boils at 100°C.
He lives in Berlin.
The lesson starts at 9.
Examples:
Positive → She works at a bank.
Negative → He does not like coffee.
Question → Does she work on weekends?
2. Present Progressive
KEY IDEA: now, right now, at the moment, today, this week, currently
Use the Present Progressive for:
She is speaking on the phone now.
He is living with friends this month.
I am reading a very good book these days.
We are meeting the client tomorrow.
Examples:
Positive → I am reading a book now.
Negative → They are not working today.
Question → Is she coming to the party?
3. The Main Difference
Simple Present = usual, regular, permanent, general
Present Progressive = now, temporary, changing, around this time
| Tense | When it is used | Signal words | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | habits, routines, facts, permanent situations | always, often, usually, sometimes, never, every day | She plays the piano every day. |
| Present Progressive | actions happening now, temporary situations | now, right now, at the moment, today, currently, this week | She is playing the piano right now. |
Compare:
She works in an office. = permanent / usual
She is working from home today. = temporary / now
1. He usually ______ breakfast at 7.
has
2. Look! He ______ breakfast now.
is having
3. She ______ in Cologne.
lives
4. She ______ with her sister this month.
is living
5. We often ______ to the gym after work.
go
6. We ______ to the gym this week because the weather is bad.
are going