Present Simple vs Progresive Present

1. Difference

1.1. It is important to remember the clear differences between these two times

1.2. Present simple - To talk in general about general actions in the present tense

1.3. Present continuous - To talk about continuous actions in progress or upcoming future actions

2. Present Simple

2.1. Is used to express habits and routines, general facts, repeated actions or situations, emotions and permanent desires

2.2. I smoke (habit); I work in London (permanence); London is a large city (general fact)

2.3. Watch out! The "simple present" is not used to talk about what is happening at this moment

3. Progresive Present

3.1. The present progressive is formed by combining the verb “to be” with the present participle. (The present participle is merely the “-ing” form of a verb.)

3.2. I am studying.

3.3. I am studying with María.

3.4. CAUTION In Spanish, the present progressive is only used to describe an action that is in the process of being carried out. It is not used for future actions.