Present simple and present continuous
Habits and facts (I work) or things happening now (I'm working), and the words that go with each.
These two tenses are everywhere: in Speaking Part 1, in your emails and in the Reading texts. The secret is simple – is it a habit, or is it happening now?
Present simple
For habits, routines, facts and timetables.
Present continuous
For actions happening now or around now, and temporary situations.
How it comes up in Part 6
In Reading Part 6 you write one word in each gap. The missing words are often small grammar words like these.
A fact about now, negative, with he: does not → doesn't.
Happening now: is + sleeping.
A question about a habit: do + you + verb.
Common mistakes
- ✗ She go to school by bus.✓ She goes to school by bus.He / she / it needs -s in the present simple.
- ✗ I'm wanting a new phone.✓ I want a new phone.'Want' is not used in the continuous.
- ✗ Do he like pizza?✓ Does he like pizza?Use 'does' with he, she and it.
Look for the time words: 'every', 'usually', 'never' → present simple; 'now', 'at the moment', 'this week' → present continuous. In a gap before a verb-ing, the answer is often am, is or are!
Quick check
Write one word in each gap.
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