Complete Grammar Syllabus (145 Units)

Grammar Mastery

Comprehensive reference, real-world IELTS band-boosting tips, clear structural formulas, and interactive short quizzes for intermediate to advanced English learners.

Present Continuous vs Present Simple 1 (I am doing vs I do)

Contrasting temporary vs permanent situations, ongoing actions vs habitual truths, and "I always do" vs "I'm always doing".

Core Structure & Formula

Continuous (Temporary): Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing

Simple (Permanent): Subject + verb(s/es)

Complaining pattern: Subject + is/are always + verb-ing ("She is always cancelling meetings")

ATemporary vs. Permanent Situations

Use continuous for temporary states (lasting a short time) and simple for permanent states (lasting a long time).

•I'm renting a small flat near campus until my scholarship starts. (temporary)

•My grandparents live in a coastal village. They have lived there all their lives. (permanent)

BI always do vs. I'm always doing

'I always do' means I do it every time. 'I'm always doing' means I do it too often, more than normal, often expressing annoyance.

•I always cycle to the office. (regular routine)

•I've missed the bus again. I'm always missing it! (too often / annoying habit)

•Our supervisor is never satisfied. She's always criticising our reports.

Action in Progress vs General Rule

Present Continuous (Now / Temporary)

✓The kettle is boiling. Be careful.
✓Listen to those delegates. What language are they speaking?
✓The river is flowing unusually fast today after the storm.

Present Simple (General / Permanent)

✓Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at sea level.
✓Excuse me, do you speak Mandarin?
✓The Amazon River flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

IELTS Band 7–9 Exam Impact

Accurately distinguish between temporary fluctuations and permanent long-term baseline trends in Task 1 line graphs.

Common Candidate Errors

✗ Water is boiling at 100 degrees Celsius.

✓ Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.

Universal physical laws must be stated in the simple present.

✗ I am always cycling to the office.

✓ I always cycle to the office.

For normal daily routines, use simple present.

Unit 3 Interactive Short Quiz

Test your understanding with 3 verified practice exercises.

Question 1 of 3

The Amazon River ______ into the Atlantic Ocean.

Question 2 of 3

Look! You've missed the deadline again. You ______ deadlines!

Question 3 of 3

Laura is in Berlin for a conference right now. She ______ at a small guesthouse.