Advanced present simple and present continuous

Advanced present simple and continuous

In this lesson, we’ll review the main uses of the present simple and present continuous, and then look at some more advanced uses that are not usually covered at lower levels. These include special meanings of some verbs, stylistic uses in news or stories, and other subtle differences that can change the tone or emphasis of what we say.

Review: Main uses of present simple and continuous

Advanced uses of the present simple

We also use the present simple in several advanced ways to make language sound more vivid, formal, or natural in specific contexts.

Jokes, stories, and anecdotes

We often use the present simple and present continuous instead of the past simple and continuous to make a story or joke sound more direct and engaging. This is called the narrative present.

• So, I walk into the room, and everyone looks at me!
• He opens the fridge and finds nothing inside.

Live commentaries and demonstrations

We also use the present simple in sports commentaries, demonstrations, and live broadcasts to describe actions as they happen. It makes the description sound fast and exciting.

• And Foden passes the ball to Haland — what a move!
• First, you add the eggs and then you stir the mixture gently.

Performative verbs

We use certain verbs in the present simple to perform an action by saying the words. These are called performative verbs.

• I promise I’ll help you.
• We apologise for the inconvenience.

Headlines and summaries

In headlines or summaries, we use the present simple to make information sound immediate and factual.

• Government cuts taxes again.
• Scientists find evidence of new species in the Amazon.

Reporting or communication verbs

We also use the present simple with some communication verbs like say, tell, or hear to report what people are saying or information we receive.

• I hear you’re starting a new job.
• They say it’s going to take months before everything is back to normal.
• Laura tells me you’re looking for an apartment.

Advanced uses of the present continuous

We also use the present continuous in several advanced ways to add emotion, politeness, or style.

Jokes, stories, and anecdotes

We often use the present simple and present continuous instead of the past simple and continuous to make a story or joke sound more direct and engaging. This is called the narrative present.

• So, I’m waiting at the bus stop when this guy starts singing…
• We’re walking home and this dog keeps following us.

Present continuous with stative verbs

We sometimes use the present continuous with verbs that usually describe states, such as be, like, look, love, or sound, to emphasise that the state is temporary or changing.

• I love working from home.
• I‘m loving working from home these days. (emphasises a temporary situation)
• You‘re very patient with them
• You‘re being very patient with them lately. (emphasises a temporary behaviour)

Some verbs have both a state and an action meaning. With their state meaning, they normally take the present simple, but with their action meaning, we can use the present continuous.

• This soup tastes wonderful. (= has a flavour)
• The chef is tasting the sauce to check if it needs more salt. (= trying a bit of it)
• The rope measures twelve feet. (= is a particular size)
• We‘re measuring the room to see if the table will fit. (= checking the size)

Present continuous with mental-state verbs

We can also use the present continuous with some mental-state verbs such as find, think, realise, or regret to express that a feeling or opinion, has recently started or begun to change.

• I regret dropping out of university. 
• I‘m regretting dropping out of university. (I’m starting to regret it)
• I realise how important regular exercise is.
• I’m realising how important regular exercise is. (I’m starting to realise it)

Some mental-state verbs that are almost never used in the present continuous are: agree, believe, know, prefer.
‣ I prefer to go to bed earlier these days. 
‣ I‘m preferring to go to bed earlier these days.

Politeness or tentativeness

The present continuous can make requests or comments sound softer and more polite.

• I’m wondering if you could send the file.
• We’re hoping to start next week.

Present continuous with adverbs of frequency

We can use the present continuous with adverbs such as always, constantly, continually, or forever to describe behaviour that happens repeatedly. It can show irritation, surprise, or simply emphasise that the action is characteristic of a person or situation.

• You‘re always forgetting your wallet when we go out! (shows annoyance)
• She‘s always improving her skills at work. (neutral or positive emphasis)
• They‘re forever talking about their holiday plans. (slightly negative or humorous)

We can also use the present continuous with frequency adverbs to describe something we regularly do at a certain time, especially when it’s part of a routine around now.

• At eight o’clock I‘m usually driving to work, so call me after nine.
• Don’t come before seven — we‘re usually having dinner then.

Summary grammar chart