Lesson 3 part A : Present Continuous or Present Simple? I’m doing … or … I do … ?
PRESENT CONTINUOUS OR PRESENT SIMPLE? I’M DOING … OR … I DO … ?
Choosing between “I’m doing…” (present continuous) and “I do…” (present simple) depends on whether you’re describing an action happening now or something that’s a habit, fact, or general truth.
Use the present continuous (I’m doing…) for:
- Actions happening now or around now:
- Example: I’m eating lunch. (The action of eating is happening at the moment of speaking.)
- Example: She’s working on a project this week. (The action of working is ongoing throughout the week.)
- Planned future events:
- Example: We’re flying to Paris next month. (The flight is already booked for the future.)
Use the present simple (I do…) for:
- Habits and routines:
- Example: I eat lunch at noon every day. (This is a regular habit.)
- Facts and general truths:
- Example: The Earth goes around the sun. (This is a scientific fact that is always true.)
- States that are not temporary:
- Example: I love chocolate. (This is a long-lasting feeling.)
- Skills and abilities:
- Example: I speak French. (This is a general ability that you possess.)
Here’s a table to summarize:
| Situation | Present Continuous (I’m doing…) | Present Simple (I do…) |
|---|---|---|
| Actions happening now | Yes | No |
| Habits and routines | No | Yes |
| Facts and general truths | No | Yes |
| Planned future events (sometimes) | Yes | No |
| States that are not temporary | No | Yes |
| Skills and abilities | No | Yes |
Remember:
- The present continuous emphasizes the action itself and that it’s ongoing.
- The present simple emphasizes the fact of the action or the habit, not necessarily when it’s happening.
When things happen? In the Past … In the Present … In the Future … ?
Things happen today/now, or is it in the past, in the present, in the future?
Things are happening NOW? in a few minutes?
=> Present Continuous (I’m doing …)
Things happen in general, every day, week, month ?
=> Present simple (I do …)
Present Continuous (I’m doing …) : … NOW
The water is boiling.
Take your umbrella, it’s raining today!
I’m learning to drive.
I’m working hard today, I have an english test tomorrow.
Present Simple (I do …) : … in general
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
In London, it rains often.
We learn to drive when we are 18.
Maria works hard her english, she wants to live in London.
Temporary situation (present): … NOW
I’m watching TV until 6 o’clock.
I’m living with my cousin until I find a flat.
I’m working hard today, I have an english test tomorrow.
It’s raining today, take your umbrella.
Permanent situations (often, always … ): .. in general
I watch TV only on Saturday.
She lives with her husband.
He works hard his english lessons, he likes this language.
It rains a lot in London.
« I’m always doing » & « I always do »
I always do something … (It’s an habit.):
I always go to work by foot.
I’m always doing something …
The meaning is different: I do it too often!
I‘m always playing video games.
=> Too often ! I should stop!