Present simple vs present continuous - I am doing, I do

These two tenses describe actions, but they focus on different times and types of actions. The present simple (I do) expresses habits, facts and regular actions. The present continuous (I am doing) describes actions happening now or temporary actions.

• Present simple = routines, habits, general truths, permanent situations.
• Present continuous = actions in progress, temporary situations, changing situations, planned near-future arrangements.
• Signal words: 'every day', 'often', 'usually' (present simple); 'now', 'right now', 'at the moment', 'this week' (present continuous).

Decide whether the action is habitual/permanent or temporary/in progress:

• Use present simple for routines and facts: I work in finance. (habit)
• Use present continuous for actions happening now or temporary projects: I am working on the Q2 budget. (in progress)
• Use signal words to help you: 'usually', 'always' → simple; 'now', 'at the moment' → continuous.

If the action is temporary or happening now, prefer present continuous; for regular or permanent situations, use present simple.

Learners often confuse these two tenses. Watch for these universal errors:

• Using present simple for actions happening now: 'I work on the report now.' → use 'I am working'.
• Using present continuous for permanent facts: 'He is living in London.' (if permanent) → use 'He lives in London.'
• Forgetting the -s in present simple with he/she/it: 'She work' → 'She works'.
• Incorrect question or negative word order: 'Does she is coming?' → 'Is she coming?' or 'Does she come?' depending on meaning.

Ask: Is the action habitual/permanent or temporary/in progress? That usually gives the answer.