Present simple is one of our favourite tenses and that's why we like to start with it first.

Of course it can also be a little confusing, but don't worry, I'm going to clear that up quickly and easily:

Mistake that beginners make #1

Using present simple for talking about now.

this is wrong.

Yes, I know, but it is.

If we want to talk about now we use present continuous: "I am reading these words."

If we use present simple - for example "I read these words", we are talking about one of these thigns:

something that we do repeatedly - that reoccurs. (Every Friday I go to the fitness centre)
Something that exists over a long period of time. (I live in Berlin)
Something we always do (I cycle to school)
A fact (like "chococalte is tasty")

Practice Quiz

Hard Quiz