5.2 Grammar Present simple vs present continuous PRESENT SIMPLE Structure PRESENT CONTINUOUS + Subj + to inf (if subj = 3 pers sing + -s) Subj + Aux (DO + if subj = 3rd pers sing + -s) + not + to inf rd + Subj + Aux (BE) pres simple + to inf + -ing Subj + Aux (BE) pres simple + not + to inf + -ing ? Aux (BE) pres simple + subj + to inf + -ing ? Aux (DO + if subj = 3rd pers sing + -s) + Subj + to inf Use 1. Permanent situations The BA flight to London takes off every day at 14.30. 2. Frequency and routines The rep usually goes to work by bus. 3. Description of places The art gallery shows portraits. 4. Plots of books or plays In the second chapter the man buys a black coat. 5. Future scheduled events (not dependent on our will) Buses to London leave every two hours. Time indicators Attention! 290 Frequency adverbs: always, often, generally, usually, sometimes, rarely, seldom, never, hardly ever Frequency expressions: every day/month/..., twice a day/month/ Expressions that indicate habits: on Sunday/ , at Halloween/ , in winter/... Stative verbs can only have the simple form: possession: belong, own, have, possess, status: consist, contain, include, matter, needs and wants: need, want, wish, activities of the mind: believe, forget, know, mean, realise, remember, think, understand, preference (though the verbs that follow want the -ing form): enjoy, love, like, don t mind, hate, prefer 1. Actions or events happening at the moment The BA flight to London is delayed. It s taking off at 15.20. 2. Temporary events or situations Today I m late and my wife is driving me to work. 3. Actions or events happening in a limited period of time This month the art gallery is showing landscapes. 4. Description of pictures or images The man on the left is wearing a black coat. 5. Future events which are already planned and organised We are leaving for London by bus next weekend. Expressions that indicate temporariness: at the moment, at present, now, today, while, this + time expression, these + time expression Action verbs can have both the simple and the continuous form. Stative verbs never have continuous tenses. I usually drink milk in the mornings. I m drinking some milk at the moment.