1.

Use the simple present tense to write about regular

occurrences (habits, customs, and routines).

I usually meet my aunt for

coffee on Sunday afternoon.

Most Americans eat turkey

on Thanksgiving.

The U.S. government takes

the census every ten years.
http://beachfrontonly.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/thanksgiving.jpg
http://www.exactdata.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/CensusBag2-lo1.jpg
 2. Use the present simple tense to write about facts.

Chicago has 38 movable

bridges.

The average American uses 8 to

100 gallons of water every day.

http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/water-footprint.jpg
http://www.gallagher.com/art_photos/chicago_bridges_opt.jpg
 3. Use the simple present tense to write about place of
origin.

I come from Jordan.

I am from Jordan.

I come from Japan.

I am from Japan.

http://www.spacetoday.org/images/Japan/JapanMap.jpg
http://camelsnose.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/jordan-map.jpg
 4. Use the simple present tense with non-action verbs.

Saori and Samah know

Polish.

Uncle Sam wants you.

http://www.heraldica.org/topics/pictures/poland.jpg
http://inttechnologies.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/i-want-you-flat.jpg
 1. Use the present progressive tense to write about
actions that are happening right now.

Patricia is holding the baby.

Julia is studying.

http://usm.maine.edu/alcohol/girl-studying-and-writing1.jpg
 2. Use the present progressive tense to write about a
long action in progress.

My neighborhood is getting
busy.

The glaciers are melting.

http://www.chicagoapartmentfinders.com/images/neighborhood_pics/River_North_Neighborhood1.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NjUov1-0KnU/SxLCgcZxYQI/AAAAAAAAKK4/RZO1-
ZT60GE/s1600/Glacier+National+Park.jpg
 3. Use the present progressive tense to write about a
temporary action in progress.

I am studying at Moraine
Valley Community College.

My nephew is living with me.

http://profiles.studyusa.com/images/IL025.jpg

http://www.lafayettecountyhealth.org/Teenager.jpg
4. Use the present progressive tense when you describe
something or someone (a descriptive state).

Which person is Bill Gates?

I think Bill Gates is sitting in

the front wearing a blue
shirt.

http://www.intelliadmin.com/images/Microsoft1978Picture.jpg
 5. Use the present progressive tense when you write
about a definite plan for the future. In this case you
need a future time expression.

I am having lunch with the

president on Friday.

They are running in the

marathon next week.

http://www.laurierasmussen.com/blog_files/marathonstart.jpg
http://ahssan.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/obama-official-photo1.jpg
Check your understanding.
First, fill in the blank. Then,
check your grammar and your
choice. Finally, give a reason
for your answer.
 Complete the sentences
Practice with the present simple or
present progressive tense
and give a reason for your
choice.

1. Can I call you back in a few minutes?

I _____ dinner right now. (have)
a) am having
b) have
Reason?
This is happening right now. Have is an
action word in this sentence.
Practice

2. I _____ about my mother every day.

(think)

a) am thinking
b) think

Reason?
This is a regular event.
Practice

3. I _____ a Honda Civic. (have)

a) am having
b) have

Reason?
In this sentence have is a nonaction
verb. Have is nonaction when it means
possession.
Practice

4. It _____ a lot in Seattle. (rain)

a) is raining
b) rains

Reason?
This is a regular event or occurrence
(fact).
Practice

5. It is Mothers Day and I _____ about

my mother. (think)

a) am thinking
b) think

Reason?
This is happening right now. Think is an
action word in this sentence.
Practice

6. I _____ you are wonderful. (think)

a) am thinking
b) think

Reason?
Think is a nonaction word when it
means an opinion.
Practice

7. I _____ lunch with the president on

Friday. (have)

a) am having
b) have

Reason?
This is a definite plan for the future.
Practice

8. I _____ a Honda Civic. (have)

a) am having
b) have

Reason?
In this sentence have is a non action
word. Have is nonaction when it means
possession.
Practice

9. I _____ in a hotel while I look for an

apartment. (live)

a) am living
b) live

Reason?
This is a temporary action that is
happening right now.
Practice

10. I _____ in Chicago. (live)

a) am living
b) live

Reason?
This is a state or a fact. (It is not
temporary.)
Practice

11. You _____ tired right now. Perhaps

we should do this later. (seem)

a) are seeming
b) seem

Reason?
Seem is a non action word.
Practice

12. I _____ Kasia is from Poland.

(believe)

a) am believing
b) believe

Reason?
Believe is a non action word.
Practice

13. I dont think Patricia is rich. She

_____ an old Honda Civic. (drive)

a) is driving
b) drives

Reason?
This is a fact or regular activity.
Practice

14. You are lying. I _____ you.

(believe)

a) am not believing
b) dont believe

Reason?
Believe is a non action word.
Practice

15. I _____ three children. (have)

a) am having
b) have

Reason?
This is a fact or state. Have is a
nonaction verb when it is used for
possession.
Practice

16. I _____ a baby in December. (have)

a) am having
b) have

Reason?
This is a definite plan for the future.
Practice

17. Next weekend, Tom _____ camping

with his family. (go)

a) is going
b) goes

Reason?
This is a definite plan for the future.
Practice

18. I _____ cooking. (like)

a) am liking
b) like

Reason?
Like is a nonaction verb.
Practice

19. Rosa _____ to go to an Italian

restaurant tonight. (prefer)

a) is preferring
b) prefers

Reason?
Prefer is a nonaction word.
Practice

20. Abdul _____ the menu for

Saturday. (plan)

a) is planning
b) plans

Reason?
This could be happening right now or it
could be a definite plan for the future.