These are two of the most common tenses in English — and two of the most commonly confused. Students often learn the rules but still make mistakes when speaking. In this session, you will discover why, deepen your own grammar knowledge, and find ready-to-use classroom activities.
Before you start — think honestly about your own teaching and experience.
Look at the examples. Answer each question before reading the explanation — this is how your students will learn too.
Read these two sentences. Both are correct English.
Sentence A tells us about her permanent or regular situation — this is her job, her normal life. Sentence B tells us about a temporary situation — she is doing this now, or for a limited period. It suggests something different from normal. This is the core difference: permanent/regular vs. temporary/in-progress. 'Present simple = habit, present continuous = now' is often taught, but temporary vs. permanent is more useful and more accurate.
Now read these two sentences. Which is present simple? Which is present continuous?
Sentence 1 describes something happening right now, at this moment — it is urgent and immediate. Sentence 2 describes a routine — something that happens regularly. The same verb (sleep) communicates completely different meanings depending on which form you use. This is a powerful pair of examples to use with students — they are concrete, memorable, and easy to act out.
Now something more difficult. Read these sentences. Which ones sound wrong, even if a student might write them?
These verbs describe states — things that exist in the mind or feelings — not actions happening in real time. We do not usually use continuous forms with state verbs, even when talking about right now. Correct versions: I know the answer. She wants some water. He has a car. They love this music. Common state verbs: know, believe, understand, want, need, like, love, hate, prefer, have (possession), seem, appear, belong, contain, mean.
State verbs describe mental states or feelings — not physical actions. They do not normally take the continuous form, even when we are talking about right now.
Common state verbs: know · believe · understand · want · need · like · love · hate · prefer · have (possession) · seem · appear · belong · contain · mean
Correct: I know the answer. She wants some water. He has a car.
Incorrect: I am knowing the answer. She is wanting water. He is having a car.
Ask students: 'Can you film this action?' If yes, the continuous form is usually possible. If no (you cannot film someone knowing something), it is probably a state verb — use the simple form.
Choose the correct form to complete each sentence. Click the option you think is right — then read the explanation.
Each sentence below contains an error. Write the correct sentence in the box and explain why it is wrong — then reveal the answer to check.
Use this sequence directly in class — guided discovery, no textbook needed. Tap each step to mark it done.
STEP 1 — PROVIDE EXAMPLES (10 minutes): Write these four sentences on the board — two in each tense.
STEP 2 — STUDENTS FORM THE RULE (5 minutes): Ask students to complete these sentences:
STEP 3 — PRACTISE WITH REAL SITUATIONS (10 minutes): Ask students to look around the room and describe what they can see using both tenses.
STEP 4 — FIND THE ERROR (5 minutes): Write five sentences on the board — some correct, some wrong. Students work in pairs to find and correct the errors. Keep it collaborative and low-pressure.
Use directly in class — copy, adapt, or read aloud. No printing needed.
For each strategy, choose the option that best describes where you are now.
Your feedback helps other teachers and helps us improve TeachAnyClass.