ABC

SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE vs SIMPLE PROGRESSIVE TENSE

Usage and Application

 

Many students have problems in choosing the correct form of the verb when we talk about the “present”. Such problems arise because they translate from Spanish to English directly without paying attention to the communicative uses.

Structure differences

Present Simple:

 

     1. Maria plays tennis at the weekend

     2. She doesn’t study French.

     3. How many children do they have?

 

Remember:

-In positive we use two conjugations. One is the simple form and the other is the “s” form (play/plays)

 

- In negative sentences we use the auxiliaries don’t and doesn’t and the verb is ALWAYS in the simple form. (She doesn’t work)

- In the question form we use auxiliaries do and does and also the verb goes in the simple form. The subject goes in between the auxiliary and the verb. (Do you work here?)

 

Present Continuous

 

     1. Maria is playing tennis.

     2. She isn’t studying.

     3.What are they doing?

 

Remember:

- When we construct the present continuous we use the verb to be. Therefore we DO NOT USE auxiliaries do, does, don’t or doesn’t.

- Use the “ing” form after the verb to be.