Grammar 101: Present Simple or Present Continous?

Grammar Lesson

Simple Present Or Present Continuous?

• We Use the simple present for actions that happen in general.
• Use the present continuous for actions happening at the moment or current/temporary projects.

• These words can help you know if the sentence needs simple present or present continuous:

Simple Present:

Always

Usually

Often

Sometimes

Never

Every (day/night/year/summer/winter)

Present Continuous:

Now

Right now

At the moment

Currently

This week/month/year

Today

Quiz Time:

Present Simple Or Present Continuous?

Question 1

Amanda and Oscar always ________ to the gym after work.

1. go
2. are going

Question 2

How many children ____________?

1. do you have
2. are you having

Question 3

"Where's mom?"

"______________ a shower."

1. She takes
2. She's taking

Question 4

"Yes, I can talk now. ____________________."

1. I'm not driving
2. I don't drive

Question 5

My colleagues normally ____________ lunch in the office.

1. aren't eating
2. don't eat

Question 6

Watch out! Your son _____________ into the street!

1. is running
2. runs

Question 7

Rita _________ how to ride  a bike.

1. doesn't know
2. isn't knowing

Question 8

"What _____________?"

"She's baking a cake."

1. she does
2. 's she doing

Question 9

He normally _________ every weekday, but today _____________ because it's a holiday.

1. work / he not working
2. working / he doesn't work
3. works / he's not working

Question 10

How often _______________ your house?

1. are you cleaning
2. do you clean

Question 11

"Where _____________?"

"To my grandmother's house - see you later!"

1. do you go
2. are you going

Question 12

My husband ____________ tennis three times a week.

1. plays
2. is playing

Question 13

Jane is cold because ______________  a jacket.

1. she doesn't wear
2. she's not wearing

Question 14

My cousin never _________ me a birthday present.

1. is giving
2. gives

Question 15

Please turn down the music; _____________ to study.

1. I'm trying
2. I try

Correct Answers:

1. A
2. A
3. B
4. A
5. B
6. A
7. A
8. B
9. C
10. B
11. A
12. A
13. B
14. B
15. A