Grammar / C1 Grammar lessons and exercises / Advanced Present Simple and Continuous
We use the present simple and present continuous in many different ways. At C1 level, it is important to understand not only the basic contrast between permanent and temporary situations, but also state verbs, changing situations, complaints, headlines, plot summaries and anecdotes.
The world is changing rapidly.
The earth revolves around the sun.
I'm an engineer, but I am working as a taxi driver at the moment.
My daughter is always leaving clothes all over the floor.
The present simple and present continuous have different core uses.
We use the present simple for facts, regular actions and continuing states.
When you heat ice, it melts.
I go swimming twice a week.
She is very happy with her job.
We use the present continuous for actions in progress, temporary situations, developing situations and arranged future plans.
He's busy. He is giving a presentation.
I am working from home this month.
More and more people are feeling the effects of climate change.
I am going to Ghana next month.
State verbs describe a state rather than an action. They are not usually used in continuous forms.
✅ I don't know the answer.
❌ I'm not knowing the answer.
✅ He really likes his new house.
❌ He's really liking his new house.
✅ They seem busy.
❌ They're seeming busy.
Thoughts and opinions
agree, believe, doubt, imagine, know, mean, remember, think, understand
Feelings and emotions
dislike, hate, like, love, prefer, want, wish
Senses and perceptions
appear, be, feel, hear, look, see, seem, smell, taste
Possession and measurement
belong, have, measure, own, possess, weigh
Some verbs can be stative in one meaning and active in another.
I have a new computer.
State: possession
I'm having a quick break.
Action: having a break
This coffee tastes delicious.
State: perception
The chef is tasting the soup.
Action: deliberately testing the flavour
We often use the present continuous with verbs describing gradual change and development.
Life is becoming more expensive.
We can use the present continuous with words such as always to complain about repeated behaviour.
He's always coming in late and making noise.
Newspaper and magazine headlines often use the present simple even when they refer to a past event.
Billionaire buys multinational company
Instructions commonly use the present simple or imperative forms.
Open the link and enter your password.
When we describe the story of a book, film or play, we normally use present tenses.
She quits her job and goes in search of adventure.
While she is travelling in India, she meets someone special.
We can also use present tenses to tell a story about a real past event. This makes the story sound more immediate and lively.
So I'm on the bus and this guy comes up to me and starts talking ...
| Form | Typical use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present simple | facts / habits / states | The Earth revolves around the sun. |
| Present continuous | now / temporary | I'm working from home. |
| Present continuous | change / development | Prices are increasing. |
| Present continuous + always | annoying habit | He's always complaining. |
| Present tenses | plots / anecdotes | She leaves home and meets ... |
❌ I'm knowing the answer.
✅ I know the answer.
❌ This coffee is tasting delicious.
✅ This coffee tastes delicious.
❌ I'm having a new computer.
✅ I have a new computer.