When DO I use present simple and present continuous? What's THE difference? We use the present continuous for things that usually happen: I play tennis every Saturday. or for things that are always true: It rains a lot in England. Water boils at 100 degrees centigrade. We use the present continuous for things that are happening now: It's raining, so I'll take a taxi. Where's Paul? He's playing football. The water's boiling. It's time to put the pasta in the pan.