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IELTS grammar: how to remember the difference between Simple Present and Present Continuous

Today’s lesson will teach you two things – the difference between the Simple Present and Present Continuous verb tenses, and how to use them correctly.

The reason why Adam is talking about the Simple Present and the Present Continuous today is that people confuse them and make a lot of small mistakes that lower their IELTS score. Adam worked as a Speaking examiner for the British Council for 10 years, and in his experience, this was a very common problem for many IELTS test takers. Don’t let this affect you, too! As soon as you learn the difference and see some examples when to use each verb tense, you will stop making these mistakes.

Even if you think you know your Simple Present and Present Continuous but you’re not 100% sure, stick around, watch this video, and in exactly 8 minutes an amazing transformation will happen. You will become absolutely certain and confident about using these two verb tenses and you won’t hesitate – you’ll know which one to use and when.

Right now, when you have two present grammar forms and you don’t know which one to use, it’s a 50-50 chance of you choosing the wrong one 🙂 So let’s turn the odds in your favour!

Watch the video on YouTube here

 

Go here to get Adam to assess your Speaking, estimate you the score you’re likely to get now and tell you how to score higher.


In the video: Simple Present – for routines and permanent situations

Dan works on Sundays. (routine)

I study every morning. (routine)

His parents own a store. (permanent situation)

Present continuous – for actions in progress or temporary situations

She is going to class right now. (action in progress)

Kim and Adam are taking an English class together. (temporary situation)

But this is far from all – there’s a lot more in the video, make sure to watch until the very end.

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Author

Simone Braverman is the founder of IELTS-Blog.com and author of several popular IELTS preparation books, including Ace the IELTS, Target Band 7, the High Scorer's Choice practice test series, and IELTS Success Formula. Since 2005 her work has helped 100,000's of students worldwide achieve their target IELTS scores and live their dream lives. When Simone isn't working on her next IELTS book, video lesson, or coaching, she enjoys playing the guitar or rollerblading.