Present Simple vs. Present Continuous

Present Simple

Use the present simple to talk about activities or routines which take place on a regular basis.

Examples

I often go jogging on Saturdays.
He usually has coffee for breakfast.

Present Continuous

Use the present continuous to speak about what is happening at the present moment in time, around the present moment, or for a future scheduled event.

Examples

We're working on the Smith account this month.
She's watching TV at the moment.

Stative Verbs

Stative verbs are verbs which express a state. Action verbs are verbs which express something a person does.

Examples

I hope to see you soon. (stative verb) He is cooking dinner at the moment. (action verb)

Stative verbs cannot be used in the continuous forms. Here is a list of common stative verbs:

believe
understand
think (opinion)
want
hope
smell
taste
feel
sound
look
seem
appear