Present Simple Versus Present Continuous

(TESOL Worksheets--Present Simple, Present Continuous, Market Leader Intermediate)

I designed this activity to supplement Market Leader Intermediate  p.10 Language Review: Present Simple and Present Continuous.  And in fact, all of the sentences come from that textbook.  But I also think this activity could be used independently of the textbook as a general worksheet on present simple and present continuous.

Google: docs, pub

Look at these example sentences.

Then discuss with a partner: In which situations do we use the present simple?

In which situations do we use the present continuous?

Present Simple	Present Continuous
Unilever makes a wide variety of consumer goods. Does it market these goods globally? It doesn’t sell in every sector. I always buy the supermarket’s own brand of detergent. Do you usually pick up groceries on the way home? He doesn’t choose clothes with designer labels. Many consumers prefer well-known brands. We launch the new range on 15 January.	We’re developing a completely new image for the brand. Are you still working with those designers? They aren’t saying anything to the press this time. We’re testing a new logo at the moment. Are they offering a good discount during the launch period? The number of people shopping online is growing. I’m meeting Frau Scharping next week.

For each situation, write in either present simple or present continuous.

1. We use the ________________to describe trends.

2. We use the ________________to give factual information, for example, about company activities.

3. We use the ________________to talk about ongoing situations and projects.

4. We use the ________________to describe temporary situations.

5. We use the ________________to talk about routine activities or habits.

6. We use the ________________for actions and situations which are generally true.

7. We use the ________________to talk about personal arrangements and plans.

8. We use the ________________for timetables and scheduled events.

Answers:

1. We use the present continuous to describe trends.

examples: The number of people shopping online is growing.

2. We use the present simple to give factual information, for example, about company activities.

examples: Unilever makes a wide variety of consumer goods.

Does it market these goods globally?

It doesn’t sell in every sector.

3. We use the present continuous to talk about ongoing situations and projects.

examples: We’re developing a completely new image for the brand.

Are you still working with those designers

They aren’t saying anything to the press this time.

4. We use the present continuous to describe temporary situations.

examples: We’re testing a new logo at the moment.

Are they offering a good discount during the launch period.

5. We use the present simple to talk about routine activities or habits.

examples: I always buy the supermarket’s own brand of detergent.

Do you usually pick up groceries on the way home?

He doesn’t choose clothes with designer labels.

6. We use the present simple for actions and situations which are generally true.

examples: Many consumers prefer well-known brands.

7. We use the present continuous to talk about personal arrangements and plans.

examples: I’m meeting Frau Scharping next week.

8. We use the present simple for timetables and scheduled events.

examples: We launch the new range on 15 January.