Technical English

Present Simple 

 = Do / Does + subject + infinitive 

Note that in short answers we use the full forms do / does in positive responses, and the short forms don't / doesn't in negative responses. 

We use the Present Simple to talk about 

• things that are always true 
• repeated actions 
• verbs that describe thinking and feeling. 

Present Continues

Positive

= subject + am / are / is + -ing form

Negative

= subject + am / are / is + not + -ing form

= Am / are / is + subject + -ing form

Note: In short answers we use the full forms am / is / are in positive responses, and the short forms 'm not / aren't / isn't in negative responses.

We use the Present Continuous to talk about

• things that are happening now.
• things that are happening for a limited period of time around now.

She's working at the Telford office today.
I'm studying to be a surveyor.

Remember that we can use most verbs in both the Present Simple and the Present Continuous, except the verbs of thinking and feeling such as know, want, feel, think, like.

With the Present Continuous, we often use a time expression such as now, currently, at the moment, this year.

With the Present Simple, we can use expressions that refer to a specific point in time, such as on Tuesday, at nine o'clock

or adverbs and expressions of frequency such as usually, always, on Wednesdays, three days a week.