1. We use the present simple:
- to talk about something happening regularly in the present:
The children come home from school at about four.
We often see your brother at work.
We often see your brother at work.
- to talk about something happening continually in the present:
They live next door to us.
He works for the Post Office.
He works for the Post Office.
- to talk about things which are generally true:
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
The Nile is the longest river in Africa.
The Nile is the longest river in Africa.
2. We use the present continuous:
- to show that something in the present is temporary:
We are living in a rented flat at present.
My wife usually goes in to the office, but she is working at home today.
My wife usually goes in to the office, but she is working at home today.
- for something happening regularly in the present before and after a given time:
I’m usually getting ready for work at eight o’clock.
When I see George he’s always reading his newspaper.
When I see George he’s always reading his newspaper.
- for something happening before and after the moment of speaking:
I can’t hear you. I’m listening to my iPod.
Be quiet. The children are sleeping.
Be quiet. The children are sleeping.
3. We use modal verbs
- to talk about the present when we are not sure of something:
I don’t know where Henry is. He might be playing tennis.
Who’s knocking at the door? I don’t know. It could be the police.
Who’s knocking at the door? I don’t know. It could be the police.
Source https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/english-grammar/verbs/talking-about-present
