“I work” or “I'm working”? Habits and right now

The rule

Use the present simple for habits and facts: I work in a bank. The sun rises in the east. Use the present continuous (am/is/are + -ing) for now or around now: I'm working from home this week.

Arabic أعمل and French je travaille cover both meanings, so learners mix the two forms or join them: I am work. English has two forms, and the choice depends on time.

Examples

In a conversation

A: Hi Lina! Are you busy?

B: Yes, I'm writing a report right now.

A: Do you usually work on Sundays?

B: No, I don't. But I'm helping a colleague this week.

Practice

Choose the best answer. The answers are at the end of the lesson.

1. My father ___ in a hospital.
   • a) is work
   • b) works
   • c) working
2. Sorry, I can't talk now. ___ dinner.
   • a) I'm cooking
   • b) I cook
   • c) I am cook
3. Sami ___ football every Saturday.
   • a) is playing
   • b) play
   • c) plays

Tip

Words like every day, usually and often show a habit, so use the present simple: I work every day. Verbs like know, want, like and need don't usually take -ing: I know, not I'm knowing.

Answers

1. b) works. A fact about his job: present simple, works.
2. a) I'm cooking. It's happening now: I'm cooking.
3. c) plays. Every Saturday is a habit: plays.

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