The present simple tense VS the present continuous tense in English - TOEIC® Preparation
It's important to know how to choose between the present simple and the present continuous in English, especially on the day of the TOEIC® exam.
In the PART-5 section, you'll often have to choose between these 2 tenses.
1. Global comparisons
A. Routine VS Present Moment
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Sandra teaches English at a high school. She prepares lessons and grades papers every day. | We discuss Sandra's regular activities as part of her routine. every day indicates a habit, hence a routine. |
| Right now, Sandra is reviewing a student's essay. She is sitting at her desk in the classroom. | We describe the actions Sandra is currently involved in (we know this from right now). |
B. General activity CS current projects
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| She writes articles for a popular science magazine. They explore innovative technologies and scientific breakthroughs. | We're talking about a general activity, that's what he does every day. |
| Currently, she is writing a feature on renewable energy solutions for a special edition focusing on environmental sustainability. | We're talking about a specific activity, his current project |
C. Facts VS slow changes
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Generally, high temperatures cause increased energy consumption. | This is a general fact that is always true (the word generally tells us that this rule is valid everywhere). |
| Currently, a heatwave is causing a significant rise in electricity demand. | The word `currently' indicates a change that is taking place right now, but is slow. This change can only be observed over several days |
D. Permanent VS temporary situations
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Maria manages the customer service department. | It's always true, it's her day job. |
| Currently, I am managing the customer service department while Maria is on maternity leave. | currently and while indicate that the situation is temporary. |
2. State verbs
There are a number of verbs that describe states rather than actions.
In general, they are never used in the present continuous tense (a state verb does not reflect an action).
2.1. Verbs expressing thought
- believe
- doubt
- guess
- imagine
- know
- realize
- suppose
- understand
- agree
- advise
- forget
- mean
- recognize
- remember
- think
Exemples
- I believe you are right.
- Do you think I should leave ?
Exceptions
🚧 What are you thinking about? I'm thinking about our last meeting.
Here, the verb "think" is used in the present continuous tense. Normally, "think" is a state verb and is not used in the present continuous tense.
However, there is an exception when "think" has an "active " meaning (I'm thinking about ...), in which case it can be used in the present continuous tense.
2.2. Verbs expressing possession
- belong to
- have
- own
- possess
Exemples
- The musician now owns six vintage guitars.
- The small cottage by the lake belongs to the Johnson family.
- The library has a rare edition of Shakespeare's works.
Exceptions
If have is directly followed by a name and expresses an action, it can be used in the present continuous tense.
Why is she not answering? She is having dinner.
2.3. Verbs expressing sentiments or emotions
- dislike
- can't stand
- hate
- like
- prefer
- love
- want
- care
- feel
- don't mind
- regret
- wish
Exemples
- She prefers water (it's general, we can't say "I'm in love with this water". Either you like it or you don't)
- He likes this car
Exceptions
-
If one of these verbs is followed by another verb, the second verb will end in -ing.
She likes waking up early on weekdays.
-
The present continuous tense can be used to express a strong and short-lived emotion.
I'm hating this weather!
2.4. Verbs expressing 5 senses
- hear
- smell
- sound
- taste
- see
- feel
Exemples
- I can hear the birds singing early in the morning.
- The music sounds wonderful from over here.
Exceptions
smell, taste, feel can be used in the present continuous tense to emphasize the fact that "we are listening", "we are feeling". In other words, we use these verbs to express an action
- I am smelling the Whiskey.
- Where is Amanda? She is not feeling well.
2.5. Other state verbs
- contain
- depend on
- include
- involve
- mean
- measure
- weigh
- require
- cost
- consist (of)
- seem
- need
- be
Exemples
- This bottle contains exactly two liters of water.
- This symbol means peace in many cultures.
Exceptions
To express an uncommon behavioral change, we can use be in the present continuous tense
He's being unusually quiet in the meetings this week.
- D'habitude, il est très participatif, mais pas là
2.6. Exceptions
When they have a different meaning from the usual, state verbs can be used with the present continuous tense. This highlights the nature of the temporary or ongoing action.
- She sees the Eiffel Tower from her window
- usual situation, classic use of the word "see"
- She is seeing someone new
- ongoing situation, use of the present continuous
Conclusion
To master the present for your TOEIC® passage, we recommend consulting these other articles: