When should you use the present continuous tense?

How does it differ from the present simple tense? R)With the verb to be in the present simple (am, is, are) plus the main verb in the gerund ( in –ing). The rule of thumb is that 99% of the time we use it, we contract when speaking. The Present Simple is used to talk about actions that take place in the present in general or describe habitual or permanent actions, while the Present Continuous is used to describe actions that are happening when we speak, that are continuing or that are taking place in the near future. .