Simple Present – Present Progressive

Do you want to express that something happens in general or that something is happening right now?

in general (regularly, often, never)

Colin plays football every Tuesday.

present actions happening one after another

First Colin plays football, then he watches TV.

right now

Look! Colin is playing football now.

also for several actions happening at the same time

Colin is playing football and Anne is watching.

Note: The following verbs are usually only used in Simple Present:
be, have, hear, know, like, love, see, smell, think, want

Do you want to express that something is arranged for the near future? Or do you refer to a time set by a timetable or schedule?

The film starts at 8 pm.

I am going to the cinema tonight.

Do you want to talk about a daily routine? Or do you want to emphasis that something is only going on for a limited (rather short) period of time?

Bob works in a restaurant.

Jenny is working in a restaurant this week.

The following verbs are usually only used in Simple Present (not in the progressive form).

state: be, cost, fit, mean, suit Example: We are on holiday.
possession: belong, have Example: Sam has a cat.
senses: feel, hear, see, smell, taste, touch Example: He feels the cold.
feelings: hate, hope, like, love, prefer, regret, want, wish Example: Jane loves pizza.
brain work: believe, know, think, understand Example: I believe you.
Introductory clauses for direct speech: answer, ask, reply, say Example: “I am watching TV,“ he says .

Exercies on Simple Present and Present Progressive