Present simple vs present continuous
- PDF exercises with answers
- Online exercises
- Grammar rules PDF
English grammar books PDF
PDF book 1: English grammar exercises PDF
PDF book 2: English grammar rules PDF
Present simple and present continuous exercises
See also:
PDF exercises to download for free:
Present simple + continuous PDF 1 (multiple choice)
Present simple + continuous PDF 2 (complete sentences)
Present simple + continuous PDF 3 (jumbled words)
Present simple + continuous PDF 4 (questions I)
Present simple + continuous PDF 5 (questions II)
Present simple + continuous PDF 6 (negative and question forms I)
Present simple + continuous PDF 7 (negative and question forms II)
Present simple + continuous PDF 8 (mixed forms)
Online exercises with answers:
Present simple vs continuous exercise 1 (two parts) Part 1. A multiple choice test. 2. Complete sentences.
Present simple vs continuous exercise 2 (fill the gaps) Complete sentences with the verbs in brackets.
Present simple vs continuous exercise 3 (make sentences) Put jumbled words in the correct order.
Present simple vs continuous exercise 4 (all forms) Affirmative, negative and question forms.
Present simple vs continuous exercise 5 (negative) Negative sentences in short dialogues.
Present simple vs continuous exercise 6 (questions) Complete positive questions.
Present simple vs continuous exercise 7 (wh- questions) Make wh- questions.
PDF grammar rules:
Present simple and continuous PDF rules
Present simple vs present continuous tense
Learn the difference between the present simple and continuous.
Present simple tense
This tense is used for repeated activities. We often use expressions such as: every Sunday, very often, sometimes, always, never.
I sometimes go to school by bike. You don't speak Greek very often. Do they ever get up early?
He always travels by train. She doesn't on Sundays. Does she ever help you?
2. We use it for facts that are always true.
Our planet moves round the sun. Lions eat meat.
3. With a future time expression (tomorrow, next week) it is used for planned future actions (timetables).
The train leaves at 8.15. They return tonight.
Present continuous tense
The present continuous is used for activities that are happening at the moment of speaking (just now).
I am learning English at the moment. You aren't listening! Why is he sitting here?
2. We use it for temporary activities which are happening about this time (today, this week), but not necessarily at the moment of speaking.
I am in London this week. I am staying at the hotel. (But you can be somewhere else at the moment of speaking.)
She can't go out. She is writing her essay today. (But she can be having lunch at the moment of speaking.)
You can't borrow this book today. Mary is reading it. (But not right now.)
3. With a future time expression (soon, tomorrow, tonight, on Monday) it is used for definite arrangements in the near future.
I am leaving soon. We are meeting on Monday.
Note
The present simple and present continuous can be used for planned future actions. The present continuous, however, is more personal than the present simple, because it expresses the speaker's plan.
Our tip:
- All PDF exercises and grammar rules from this website.