Use the Simple Present or Present Progressive? Look at the following rules and signal words: - In general or right now?
- Do you want to express that something happens in general or that something is
happening right now?
- 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?
| Simple Present | Present Progressive |
|---|---|
| in general Rick plays football every Monday. |
right now Look! Rick is playing football now. |
| present actions happening one after another First Rick plays football, then he watches TV. |
several actions happening at the same time Rick is playing football and Anne is watching. |
| daily routine Bob works in a restaurant. |
limited period of time Jenny is working in a restaurant this week. |
| paction set by timetable/schedule The film starts at 8 pm. |
arrangement for the near future I am going to the cinema tonight. |