The present simple and present progressive tense are used for actions that take place in the present. The present simple tense is used to describe everyday events and facts or to report on current events. The present progressive tense is used for temporary actions and describes what is happening at the time of speaking.
Structure of Present Simple Tense
POSITIVE FORMS (+) :
- Subject ( I, You, We, They ) + V ( First Form of Verb )
- Subject ( He, She, It ) + Verb – S / ES / IES
NEGATIVE FORMS (-) :
- Subject ( I, You, We, They ) + do not / don’t + V ( First Form of Verb )
- Subject ( He, She, It ) + does not / doesn’t + V ( First Form of Verb )
QUESTION FORMS (?) :
- Do + Subject ( I, You, We, They ) + V1 ( First Form of Verb )
- Does + Subject ( He, She, It ) + V1 ( First Form of Verb )
Structure of Present Progressive Tense
POSITIVE FORM (+) :
- Subject + BE ( am/is/are ) + Verb-ING
NEGATIVE FORM (-) :
- Subject + BE ( am/is/are ) + NOT + Verb-ING
QUESTION FORM (?) :
- BE ( am/is/are ) + Subject + Verb-ING
NEGATIVE QUESTION FORM (?):
- BE ( am/is/are ) + NOT + Subject + Verb-ING
Present simple.
Examples:
a sequence of events: They take to taxi to the station, check the timetable and get on the train.
time specified in a schedule: The train leaves at 15:12 and arrives in Brighton at 16:45.
daily or regular events: They usually go on holiday by train.
Present Progressive.
Examples:
At the moment: They are standing in front of the timetable.
dates, personal schedules: At 6 pm they are meeting Ben’s aunt in Brighton.
temporary, short-term events: She is working as a waitress in Brighton during the summer holiday.
