What you'll learn
By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to pick the right tense for routines versus what is happening right now, and avoid using the continuous with verbs like want, know, and like.
When do I use it?
Use the present simple for habits, schedules, and facts ("I drink coffee every morning"), and the present continuous for what's happening right now or around now ("I am drinking coffee at the moment"). Words like "always" and "usually" point to the simple; "now" and "at the moment" point to the continuous.
How do I form it?
She works in a bank. (fact, every day) She is working from home this week. (temporary, happening now) He usually walks to work. Right now he is driving.
Common mistakes for Spanish speakers
In Spanish, a plain present form can cover both habits and what's happening right now, so English forces you to choose. If it's happening now, use the continuous: not "Now I work in the garden" but "I am working in the garden right now". Also, state verbs like 'know', 'want', and 'like' never take -ing: "I am knowing the answer" is wrong, use "I know the answer."
If you can say "always, usually, every day" → simple. If you can say "now, at the moment" → continuous.
Practice
Multiple Choice
A1Right now, she ___ her homework.
Fill in the Blank
A1She usually to school, but this week she is taking the bus.
Hint: 'Usually' signals a habit → present simple.
Find the Error
A1Word Order
A1Put the words in the correct order for what is happening at the moment
Practice Speaking
Apply what you've learned in a real conversation with AI feedback.
Level: A1