Present Simple VS Present Continuous

Present simple or present continuous?

The basic difference

The present simple is used for permanent routine, a state, or a fact.

• We play music in the café most days.

• Dave love pizza.

• Two and two makes four.

The present continuous is used for something we are in the middle of.

• I’m playing guitar at the moment.

Routines

The simple for a permanent routine and the continuous for a temporary routine.

Always

The present continuous with “always” means “very often” and sometimes expresses annoyance.

• I’m always losing things.

Comparison :
We always have a test. (every lesson)
We’re always having tests. (very often)

Present actions

The present simple can be used to describe actions as they happen.

• He shoots! And it’s a goal!

• I add the sauce and stir gently.

Past actions

The present tense can be used for past events to make a story come to life.

• I’m standing there, and a man comes up to me and grabs me by the arm…

The present tense can also be used to explain the plot of a story.

• Macbeth murders the king of Scotland, who is staying at the castle.

The written word

The present simple to report the written word.

• It says in the paper the game is today.

• The letter explains everything.

It’s also can be used for something that someone has said recently.
Maria says she doesn’t really care about love.

Tip : Use the present simple in instructions and explanations, e.g. You pull down the File menu and choose print. (Oxford Learner’s Pocket Grammar)