Present simple or present

continuous

Grammar » B1 Grammar lessons

and exercises » Present simple or
present continuous

Exercises Explanation

1 2 3

Exercise 1
Choose the present simple or present
continuous to complete the sentences
below.

You have completed this test.

Correct answers: 9/10.
Your score is 90%.
Check your answers:

1 In Johannesburg most people

speak at least five languages.

➪ We use the present simple for

permanent situations or things that
are usually or often true.

2 Languages are disappearing

very fast. Half of world's languages will

disappear by 2100.

➪ We use the present continuous to

talk about situations that are
changing or developing.

3 You can't see Tim now; he 's having

a bath.

➪ We use the present continuous for

actions in progress now or 'around
now'.
➪ The verb have is a non-action verb
only when it means 'to own' 'to
possess'. It is a dynamic or action verb
with other meanings: have a nap, have
a shower, have dinner, etc.

4 Please keep quiet, I listen to

the radio. You know I 'm listening to

the news in the mornings.

Correct answer: 'm listening/listen

➪ We use present progressive for
actions in progress now or 'around
now' (I'm listening now).
➪ We use present simple for habits;
for actions that we do (o we don’t do)
regularly (I listen in the mornings).

5 What time does the first train leave

➪ We use the present simple to refer

to future events which are
timetabled.

6 I never wear a scarf, but today

I 'm wearing one because it's

unusually cold.

➪ We use present simple for habits (I

never wear).
➪ We use the present continuous for
actions in progress now or 'around
now' (today I'm wearing).

7 I finished watching the series you

recommended. Now I 'm watching

another one.

➪ We use the present progressive to

talk about temporary actions or
events that are going on 'around
now' (maybe not at the moment of
speaking, but these days, weeks, etc.).
I'm not watching the series right now,
as I am speaking, but I'm watching it
these days.

8 What are you doing tonight?

Would you like to come and watch the

game?

➪ We use the present continuous to

talk or ask about future
arrangements, i.e. future actions that
are already planned or decided.

9 Nobody thinks they will win the

match.

➪ We use the present simple and not

progressive with stative or non-action
verbs.
➪ Think is a non-action verb when it
means 'believe', 'be someone's
opinion'.

10 You look worried. What

are you thinking ?

➪ Think is a stative verb when it

means 'believe', but it's a dynamic verb
when it refers to the mental process of
thinking.

1 2 3

Related tests:

Present simple vs present continuous

Present continuous for future

arrangements

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