Present Simple
The form of the present simple is not so different from the infinitive form. In fact, it only changes for the third person singular. With he, she, or it, an –s or -es is added to the base form of the verb. For example, lives or goes. There are few irregular verbs in the present simple.
The present simple is commonly used in two cases. The first is to describe daily events and routines or habits. For example: She wakes up at 6 a.m. every day. The second case is a little tougher to learn. The present simple is used to describe emotions, opinions, and states. These verbs are just referred to as state verbs and can only be used in the present simple, not the present continuous. Some common state verbs are: like, believe, love, understand, want, remember, be, and know.
Present Continuous
The present continuous is formed by taking the present simple form of the verb to be and adding a present participle. For example: am, is, or are walking.
The first is to describe what is happening right now. For example: You are reading. The second case is to describe things that are temporary and happening around the moment of speaking, but not at the exact same time. For example: He is looking for a job. This situation is not permanent and it is happening around the present time.
These are the most common uses of the present simple and present continuous tenses and learning these simple rules will ease any confusion beginners have about the present tenses. Learners will come to know the subtleties of the tenses as they are exposed to more of the language.