Present Continuous or Present Simple----confused which one to use?

By Ranjana S.

Let us recapitulate the concepts to understand the difference:

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»»»» At this moment or Sometimes

Present Continuous:

We use the Present Continuous for something happening now. "I am dancing on the stage" means that I am in the middle of a dance performance on the stage.

Some more illustrations:

• It's raining at the moment.
• I'm watching this movie.
• The man is chasing the dog.

Present Simple:

We use the Present Simple for repeated actions." I often dance on special occasions" means I do this activity again and again.

• He watches soap opera most weekends.
• It always rains at the weekend.
• She likes gardening.

»»»» States,feelings and thoughts:

Usually we use Present Simple

>>to talk about feelings and thoughts.

• I think he will woo her.
• Maria likes her job.

>>to talk about states, permanent facts and universal truths.

• Magnanimity means a lot to her. (state)
• Paper burns easily.(fact)
• The earth rotates on its axis and revolves around the sun.(universal fact)

>>We also use the Present Simple in 'I promise', 'I agree', ' I refuse', etc.

• I promise to be with you forever.
• I forgive you for your actions.
• I agree with the terms and conditions in the contract.
• I refuse to pay my bills.

»»»» Temporary occurrence or Permanent ?

Present Continuous:

We use the Present Continuous for a routine or situation that is for a short duration or temporary.

• I am learning English at the institute for two weeks.
• At the moment they are living in a guest house.

Present Simple:

We use the Present Simple for a routine or situation that is permanent.

• I work at the parlor. It's a permanent job.
• The Robinsons live in a mansion.

»»»» Always.

Present Continuous:

We usually use 'always' with the present continuous to mean 'very often'.

• Polly is always scolding her kids.(she scolds them very often.)
• He is always driving  irresponsibly.( He drives rashly too often.)

Present Simple:

We usually use 'always' with the Present Simple to mean 'every time'.

• Polly always scolds her kids. (She scolds her kids always.)
• He always drives irresponsibly.( He drives irresponsibly every time.)