The Simple Present Tense and The Present Progressive (Continuous) Tense

SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE

FORM
[ verb + s/es in third person ]

The simple present tense is used to describe an action, an event, or condition that is occurring in the present, at the moment of speaking or writing. The simple present is used when the precise beginning or ending of a present action, event, or condition is unknown or is unimportant to the meaning of the sentence.

Each of the highlighted verbs in the following sentences is in the simple present tense and each sentence describes an action taking place in the present:

• Deborah waits patiently while Bridget books the tickets.
• The shelf holds three books and a vase of flowers.
• The crowd moves across the field in an attempt to see the rock star get into her helicopter.

The simple present is used to express general truths such as scientific fact, as in the following sentences:

• Rectangles have four sides.
• The moon circles the earth once every 28 days.
• Calcium is important to the formation of strong bones.

The simple present is used to indicate a habitual action, event, or condition, as in the following sentences:

• Leonard goes to The Jumping Horse Tavern every Thursday evening.
• My grandmother sends me new mittens each spring.
• In fairy tales, things happen in threes.
• We never finish jigsaw puzzles because the cat always eats some of the pieces.

The simple present is also used when writing about works of art, as in the following sentences:

• Lolly Willowes is the protagonist of the novel Townsend published in 1926.
• The play ends with an epilogue spoken by the fool.

The simple present can also be used to refer to a future event when used in conjunction with an adverb or adverbial phrase, as in the following sentences:

• The doors open in 10 minutes.
• The premier arrives on Tuesday.
• Classes end next week.

PRESENT PROGRESSIVE (CONTINUOUS) TENSE

FORM
[ am/is/are + present participle ]

The present progressive emphasizes the continuing nature of an act, event, or condition.

Each of the highlighted verbs in the following sentences is in the present progressive tense. In each sentence the on-going nature of the action is emphasized by the use of the present progressive rather than the simple present.

• Nora is looking for the first paperback editions of all Raymond Chandler's books.
• Apple is dusting all the shelves on the second floor of the shop.
• The union members are pacing up and down in front of the factory.

The present progressive is occasionally used to refer to a future event when used in conjunction with an adverb or adverbial phrase, as in the following sentences:

• The doors are opening in 10 minutes.
• The premier is arriving on Tuesday.
• Classes are ending next week.

EXERCISES (Simple Present Tense and Present Progressive Tense)