This document compares and contrasts the present simple and present continuous tenses. It explains that the present simple is used to describe actions on a schedule or timetable, while the present continuous describes planned actions in the near future. It provides examples of using each tense to talk about plans ("I am watching TV tonight" vs "I watch TV every night"). The document also notes that both tenses can be used with time expressions like "next Friday" to refer to definite future plans and arrangements. It includes exercises asking the reader to fill in verbs in the correct present tense form.

1. by Miss Stefanie Herzberg

2. Present Simple VS Present
Continuous
Simple Present Present Continuous
Action set by a time table or
schedule
Action already arranged for the
near future
“The bus arrives at 6.55.” (it is
stated officially)
“I am going to bed in a minute.” (it
is my plan)

3.  I am watching TV tonight. (I will do it tonight, it is my
plan.)
The continuous is more informal. It is the most usual way of
expressing our personal plans.
 I am leaving on Sunday. (I have decided to leave on
Sunday, it is my plan.)
 But: I leave on Sunday. (Someone else has decided it, it
is someone's plan for me.)
Present Simple VS Present
ContinuousWith time expressions (next Friday, soon) the present simple
and continuous are used for definite future arrangements
and plans. The time must be mentioned; otherwise the
sentence would not have a future meaning.

4. Use the words in parentheses and put the verb in the
correct form (present simple or continuous).
1) …………….. (you, do) anything later? I thought we could
go out.
2) The lesson …………….. (begin) soon so we need to get
back to college.
3) Susan …………….. (meet) me for lunch later.
4) The match …………….. (start) at 3.00.
5) I …………….. (visit) my Nan next Sunday.
6) I …………….. (finish) work early today as I have an
appointment at the dentist.
7) I've just phoned the centre and the doors ……………..
(open) at 1.00.
Exercises

5. References
 Flo-Joe (2013). Present Simple & Continuous as
Future Tenses. Retrieved from http
://www.flo-joe.co.uk/preliminaryenglish/grammar/pres
 Mgr. Petr Kulatý (2013). Present Tenses for
Future Going to Exercises. Retrieved from http://
www.e-grammar.org/present-tense-be-going-to-
future/

6. References
 Flo-Joe (2013). Present Simple & Continuous as
Future Tenses. Retrieved from http
://www.flo-joe.co.uk/preliminaryenglish/grammar/pres
 Mgr. Petr Kulatý (2013). Present Tenses for
Future Going to Exercises. Retrieved from http://
www.e-grammar.org/present-tense-be-going-to-
future/