Present Simple or Continuous

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Present SimpleorContinuous
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present simpleis used for
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1. things that are always true
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Oil floats on water.The Earth goes round the sun.
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2. things that are truefor a long time
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I live in Rome.She works for a big company.
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3. habits
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He has coffee for breakfast.They go to the beach
in July.
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adverbs of frequencyare common with the present
simple for habits
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He always usually often sometimes rarely never has coffee for breakfast.
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present simpleis NOT a good name!
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it talks aboutgeneral, repeated or permanent time
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present continuousis used for
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1. actions in progress
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Shes crossing the road.The sun is shining.
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2. actions happeningaround now
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Im reading a good book.Were studying
pronunciation.
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verbs in the continuous area) temporaryb)
interruptible
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contrast between habit and current situation
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I usually wear a suit to work but today Im
wearing jeans.
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He usually has tea for breakfast but today hes
having coffee.
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verbs of action and state
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verbs of action change things
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He goes to work.
he was at home
now hes at work
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She buys a drink.
she didnt have a drink
now she has a drink
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verbs of action can be used in simple and
continuous tenses
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She has a shower every morning.Shes having a
shower now.
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verbs of state describe unchanging situations
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He believes in God.She owns a Porsche.She loves
hip-hop.
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common verbs of state
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believedoubtknowrememberunderstand
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likelovedislikehatepreferwant
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agreedenymeanneedown
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verbs of state arent usedin the continuous
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Im wanting an ice-cream.
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Im wanting an ice-cream.
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Im wanting an ice-cream.I want an ice-cream.
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some verbs have BOTHstate and action meanings!
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come
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He comes from Frascati.
Hes coming from Frascati.
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He comes from Frascati.
come origin
Hes coming from Frascati.
come travel
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have
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She has long hair.
Shes having lunch.
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She has long hair.
have own / possess
Shes having lunch.
have consume
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think
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What do you think of the film?
What are you thinking about?
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What do you think of the film?
think have opinion
What are you thinking about?
think reflect
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particular verbs
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verbs of position
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stand (up)sit (down)kneel (down)lie (down)
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these verbs use the simple for the action of
assuming a position
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at the end, everybody stands up
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they always sit in the corner
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and they use the continuous to indicate a
position already assumed
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the men are standing at the bar
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shes lying on the sofa
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wear
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wear in the simpleindicates a habit
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I usually wear a suit to work...
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and in the continuous itindicates what someone
already has on their body at the time
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but today Im wearing jeans.