Rule: Present Simple or Present Continuous ShowHide

Present Simple

Things that happen again and again: habits, routines and facts.

I play football every Saturday.
She plays the piano.

• he / she / it + -s: works, watches, goes
• negative: don't / doesn't + verb: He doesn't eat meat.
• question: Do / Does … ?: Do you like tea?

always · usually · often · sometimes · never · every day · on Mondays

Present Continuous

Things that are happening now, while you are speaking.

I am playing football now.
Look! She is dancing.

• am / is / are + verb-ing: I am reading, they are running
• negative: am not / isn't / aren't: He isn't sleeping.
• question: Am / Is / Are … -ing?: Are you listening?

now · right now · at the moment · Look! · Listen!

Verbs like like, love, want and know usually stay in the Present Simple: I like pizza, not I am liking pizza.

Games on Present Simple or Present Continuous

Ready-made games on this topic. Open one on the board and play in teams.

Open the Box · 15 boxesPresent Simple or Present Continuous team game (A1)A team game for A1: open a box and answer – Present Simple or Present Continuous.Play

Flashcards · 24 cardsPresent Simple or Present Continuous practice (A1)Cards for A1: answer, then flip the card to check – Present Simple or Present Continuous.Play

Play this exercise

The sentences of this exercise as a game – nothing to set up.

Open the BoxTeam gameOpen a box, answer, win points.Play

FlashcardsFlip and checkSay the answer, then flip the card.Play