1. Present Simple

example: We travel every year.

He swims twice a week.

Do you travel every year? / We don't (do not) travel every year.

Does he swim twice a week? He doesn't (does not) swim twice a week.

We use the present simple

1.1. to show regular actions: She goes to school every day.

1.2. for habits: He runs every morning.

1.3. to show that actions repeat: They celebrate X-mas together every year.

1.4. for general truth: It snows in winter.

1.5. for instructions or directions: Be quiet!

1.6. for fixed arrangements: The movie starts at 7 p.m.

Signal Words for the present simple: usually, always, never, on Mondays, every Friday, twice a week, once a month, in general, every other day.

We use the present simple (not future simple) after these words (when, before, after, as soon as, until, if, as, etc.): We'll have dinner as soon as dad comes home.

2. Present Continuous

to be + V-ing form

example: You are studying English now.

He is writing an essay at the moment.

Are you studying English? / You aren't (are not) studying English.

Is he writing an essay at the moment? He isn't (is not) writing an essay at the moment.

We use the Present Continuous

2.1. to show the action that is happening right now: He's watching TV at the moment and eating his dinner.

2.2. for situations that are happening in this time period but not right now: He is renting the flat until he can buy his own one.

2.3. to show that we have plans for the near future: My mother is cooking a turkey tonight.

Signal Words for the present continuous: now, right now, at present, presently, for the time being, currently, at the moment, atthe present, nowadays, this year.