Factual Present: The Simple Present can express something that is always true.

Habitual Present: The Simple Present can express a habit or a routine.

Instantaneous Present: The Simple Present is used by sportscasters to describe a sports event as it is happening.

Literary Present: You can use the Simple Present to describe what is written somewhere or what an author believes.

Jokes and dramatic storytelling: You can use the Simple Present to make a joke or story more dramatic.

Schedules: You can use the Simple Present to talk about future scheduled events.

Normal perceptions: You can use the Simple Present to talk about what you think, see, feel, hear, taste, or smell.



Plans and arrangements: You can use the Present Progressive to talk about definite plans you have with someone else in the future.


Pictures and art: You can use the Present Progressive to talk about actions represented in a photo or work of art.

Complaints: You can use the Present Progressive to say that something happens too often.

Temporary states: You can use the Present Progressive to indicate that a situation is only temporary.


Unusual perceptions: You can use the Present Progressive to indicate that a perception (think, see, feel, hear, taste, or smell) or situation is unusual.

Beginning: You can use the Present Progressive to mean beginning to.

Actions in progress: You can use the Present Progressive to say what you are wearing or doing at the present moment.