Present Simple

We use the present simple to talk about habits and routines:

He plays tennis every weekend.

I get up early in the morning.

They watch movies together.

...to talk about things that are generally true:

Kangaroos belong to the marsupial family.

Europe has an old and rich history.

Top football players earn a lot of money.

...with verbs describing permanent states(see also stative verbs):

She enjoys going out.

I know her mother quite well.

She lives in a small apartment.

We love Mexican food.

...with adverbs and expressions of frequency:

I never go out on Thursdays.

He usually goes to bed very late.

I often stay in the office after hours.

You always have an answer.

Present Continuous

We use the present continuous to talk about actions in progress:

He's making dinner.

I'm using the phone right now.

The dog is barking.

...for actions that are not necessarily happening at the moment, but are still ongoing:

I'm still waiting for the call.

The young man is studying for the test.

She's trying to become famous.

...for temporary situations:

Mary is staying with her sister.

The blue team is winning (but the match isn't over).