Simple present or present continuous?

Simple present or present continuous? Espresso English

She usually eats healthy food, but today she’s eating cake because it’s her birthday.

Use the simple present for actions that happen in general.

Use the present continuous for actions happening at the moment or current/temporary projects.

Present Simple

Present Continuous

I work from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. I’m currently working on a new project.
Mark studies English every day. Mark is studying the present continuous at the moment.
We usually go to Europe in the summer. Right now, we’re going to the supermarket.
They always talk to their boss in the morning. They’re talking to him now.
Does it usually rain in the winter? No, but it’s raining now. Take an umbrella.

 

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

Learn more English verb tenses: past, present, future, simple, perfect, continuous!


Present Simple or Present Continuous?

Congratulations - you have completed Present Simple or Present Continuous?. You scored %%SCORE%% out of %%TOTAL%%. Your performance has been rated as %%RATING%%
Your answers are highlighted below.
Question 1
"What _____________?"

"She's baking a cake."

A
she does
B
's she doing
Question 2
How often _______________ your house?
A
do you clean
B
are you cleaning
Question 3
Amanda and Oscar always ________ to the gym after work.
A
go
B
are going
Question 4
My colleagues normally ____________ lunch in the office.
A
aren't eating
B
don't eat
Question 5
"Where's mom?"

"______________ a shower."

A
She takes
B
She's taking
Question 6
My husband ____________ tennis three times a week.
A
plays
B
is playing
Question 7
"Where _____________?"

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

A
are you going
B
do you go
Question 8
Rita _________ how to ride  a bike.
A
isn't knowing
B
doesn't know
Question 9
Jane is cold because ______________  a jacket.
A
she doesn't wear
B
she's not wearing
Question 10
Please turn down the music; _____________ to study.
A
I'm trying
B
I try
Question 11
He normally _________ every weekday, but today _____________ because it's a holiday.
A
working / he doesn't work
B
works / he's not working
C
work / he not working
Question 12
How many children ____________?
A
are you having
B
do you have
Question 13
"Yes, I can talk now. ____________________."
A
I don't drive
B
I'm not driving
Question 14
Watch out! Your son _____________ into the street!
A
runs
B
is running
Question 15
My cousin never _________ me a birthday present.
A
is giving
B
gives
Once you are finished, click the button below. Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect. Get Results
There are 15 questions to complete.

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Simple present or present continuous? Espresso English

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