The document discusses the differences between using the present simple and present continuous tenses in English. It provides examples of when to use each, including using the present simple for habitual actions and states, and the present continuous for temporary situations or actions happening at the time of speaking. It then provides exercises for learners to choose whether to use the present simple or present continuous form based on the context.

1. Present Simple or Present Continuous? 1. The simple present tense Actions which happen regularly (for example, every day or every week) Habits Things which do not often change (for example, opinions and conditions) States Habit or State? “Every day” is a habit. Young-Mi goes to class every day. This implies that he spends Christmas with his parents every year. So, it’s a habit. Jerry spends Christmas with his parents. Beliefs and opinions are states. They don't often change. Anna believes in God. Santos always talks about his family. “Always” means this is a habit. Bianca lives in Florida. This is a state, because it doesn't change.

2. 1. The Continuous Present Temporary Situations Actions which happen at the moment of speaking and are not intended to last. Right now, John is winning, but the game isn't finished yet. John is winning the game. It is raining outside. It's raining right now (but it may stop soon). John and Paul are working in the library. They are working there right now. Jane is spending Christmas with his family. He's spending Christmas with his family right now, this year. (Maybe next year he won't.)

3. are staying are they doing are they taking is looking Is she working am studying are you taking am starting

4. are doing am standing is moving

5. are enjoying are having Is spending is buying

6. Choose the Right Option Once a week, I ________ to an art class at the college. go go am going Look! Jenny ___________ into the water. is jumping jumps is jumping Marie isn't a Canadian. I ___________ she comes from France. believe believe am believing

7. Choose the Right Option Don’t give the kids any cheese. They ________ it. hate hate are hating It ______________ really hard. We cannot go outside.. is snowing snows is snowing My boyfriend ________ a Mercedes. He is quite rich! drives drives is driving

8. Choose the Right Option I___________ you are crazy! think think am thinking The teacher___________ lunch in the cafeteria everyday. eats eats is eating is studying Sorry, John is not here. He___________ at the library. studies is studying

9. She is visiting has She They work they are visiting They live They are staying wants He is studying She goes She likes

10. Over the Telephone Hi ! The gang and I ____________(spend) the weekend in the woods. I ____________(organize) the food, because I _________(like) it. Dave __________(have) a big car with a trailer. He __________ (check) the brakes right now. Sam _________(set) the tent — he _________(go) camping every year, so he_________ (have) a great tent and lots of other equipment. My wife ___________(think) we're crazy. She __________(like) holidays in comfortable hotels, so she __________(visit) her mother in Paris. are spending am organizing like has is checking is setting goes has thinks likes is visiting

11. A nice present for all my fellow Teachers Feel free to use it in your classes and you don’t have to give me credit for it. Anyway, my name is Caty and I teach English in Queretaro. All images are taken from a wonderful book called Interchange from Jack C. Richards, Cambridge University Press