Present Simple or Continuous

We use the Present Simple

o For regular actions or events
I watch TV most evenings.
o Facts
The sun rises in the east
o Facts know about the future
The plane leaves at 5.00 in the morning.
o Thoughts and feelings about the time of speaking
I don't understand.
We use the Present Continuous
o At the time of speaking ('now')
I'm watching a movie on TV.
o Things which are true at the moment, but not always
I'm looking for a new job.
o Present plans for the future
I'm taking my husband to New York for his birthday.
Look at these sentences:
o I usually don't drink coffee, but I'm having one this morning because there is
nothing else.
o I often drive to work, but I'm taking the train this morning because my car is in
for repair.
o I'm thinking about dying my hair blonde, but I don't think my wife will be very
happy about it.
o 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.
1. Verbs that take a direct object are labeled "transitive."
Mother baked bread.
2. Verbs that are not followed by an object are called "intransitive."
The baby cried frequently.
NOTE: Both transitive and intransitive verbs are called "action" verbs.

Exercise
1-Complete the sentences with SIMPLE PRESENT or PRESENT CONTINUOUS:
1. Susan usually . (go) to school by bus, but now she
.. (go) to school by train.
2. Mary often .. (read) in bed, but today she is very tired and she
. (not / read).
3. The boys usually (ride) their bikes to school. They .
(like / ride) their bikes. They (be) very naughty
boys. They always (go) to school late. Today their teacher
. (be) very angry, because they (be) late again.
4. Mary .. (like / eat) sweets. Every morning she .
(have) coffee with a lot of sweets and chocolate. For lunch she and her friends
often .. (eat) sweets or ice-cream. She (not /
like / eat) fruit or vegetables. She (eat / never) eggs or
cheese. Today she .. (be) sick. She (sleep)
in her room now.

2-Fill in the blanks with PRESENT CONTINUOUS or SIMPLE PRESENT:

1. The children .. (play) outside now.
2. She usually . (read) the newspaper in the morning.
3. I (do) my homework now.
4. I (eat) my dinner now.
5. . (you / want) a pizza?
6. They .. (watch) TV now.
7. I . (not / like) spaghetti.
8. The baby . (sleep) now.
9. My mother usually . (cook) dinner in the evening.
10. He .. (write) a letter to his pen-friend every month.
11. She . (not / like) football.
12. Mary .. (listen) to music now.
13. Tom usually (drink) coffee, but he . (drink) tea now.
14. We . (go) to the disco tonight.
15. (he / go) to work by bus everyday.