Present Tenses
We use the present simple:
• for regular actions and routines often with time expression
• for permanent situations
• for general truthfor fixed timetables
• in film reviews or plot summaries
• in time clauses with a future meaning after words like when, if, after, as soon as, until, etc.
We use the present continuous:
• actions happening now
• temporary situations
• actions happening around the time of speaking
• plans and arrangements for future
• annoying or surprising habits with always
We do not use the following state verbs in the present continuous:
resemble, see, consist of, contain, include, know, realize, understand, notice, forget, remember, here, smell, sound, love, like, dislike, hate, prefer, need, wish, want, lack, agree, disagree, believe, doubt, suppose, belong to, own, owe, possess
The following words can be used, but with a change of meaning:
be, appear, look, have, think, feel, see, taste, depend
• for regular actions and routines often with time expression
• for permanent situations
• for general truthfor fixed timetables
• in film reviews or plot summaries
• in time clauses with a future meaning after words like when, if, after, as soon as, until, etc.
We use the present continuous:
• actions happening now
• temporary situations
• actions happening around the time of speaking
• plans and arrangements for future
• annoying or surprising habits with always
We do not use the following state verbs in the present continuous:
resemble, see, consist of, contain, include, know, realize, understand, notice, forget, remember, here, smell, sound, love, like, dislike, hate, prefer, need, wish, want, lack, agree, disagree, believe, doubt, suppose, belong to, own, owe, possess
The following words can be used, but with a change of meaning:
be, appear, look, have, think, feel, see, taste, depend