Present tense

Present simple

With he, she,it we add “s” (he enjoys, she watches, it carries etc.)

For negatives and questions we use a verb “Do”. Does it swim? Do you like me ? etc.

We use this tense to describe facts:

Water boils in 100'C.

Or to describe things that happen on a regular basis:

The President spends every summer holiday in the mountains.

For directions and instructions:

Go left and then stop. Mix flour with water.

Present continuous

With a verb “be” and -ing form. (What are they doing?)

We use this tense to describe actions in progress. The action may continue after the time of speaking, too.

I'm just finishing something in the kitchen.

We're studying the writings of Guenter Grass on the German course now.

Or to describe things which are changing:

British summers are getting hotter and hotter every year.

Or to talk about repeated events or actions usually if they happen within temporary period.

I'm feeding the neighbour's cat this week while she's in the hospital.

! Graham smokes a lot.

Graham's job is terribly stressful now and he's smoking about 50 cigarettes a day.

Sometimes we can use always, forever or continually with present continuous if we complain about something or dislike something.

Your dog is always making so much noise!

I'm always forgetting people's birthdays.

There are some verbs which rarely go with continuous form (-ing). These are: belong, believe, doubt, understand, think, want, prefer etc. These verbs are connected with feelings.

But: I think he's behaving badly.

My dad is thinking about moving to a different town. (but here think means consider)

Be careful with “Here”. There exist a form like this: Here comes the rain or Here comes my brother.

They're without -ing although it happens right now.