Present Simple
We use the present simple:
For routine or regular repeated actions
(often with adverbs of frequency like always, usually, often, sometimes, never, every Saturday morning, twice every week).
– We go running every evening.
– She doesn’t do any work at weekends.
– I never get home before eight o’clock in the evening.
When we are talking about permanent situations
– She comes from South Africa.
– They live in London.
With scientific facts
– Water freezes at 0ºC.
With stative verbs
(verbs which are not normally used in continuous forms: be, have, depend, know, think, understand, disagree, like, want, hear, love, see, smell, taste).
– They don’t have a car.
– Does she understand?
– I’m sorry, but I disagree completely.
– That perfume smells too strong.
When we are talking about the future as expressed in timetables, regulations and programmes
– The plane leaves at 8.45.
– When do the holidays begin?
In time clauses with a future meaning after as soon as, if, until, when
– I’ll see her when/as soon as she arrives.
– Give this to Susie if you see her.
– Tom can’t aplly for the job until he gets the right qualifications.
Present continuous
We use the present continuous when we use dynamic (action) verbs to talk about:
Actions happening now
– I think he‘s watching TV.
Changing/developing situations
– My broken leg is getting better.
Temporary situations
– I am staying in this hotel for two weeks.
Annonying or surprising habits with always
– She‘s always losing her keys.
– He‘s always buying her flowers.
Plans and arrangements in the future
– Are you going out this evening?