Tasks and exercises on the difference between Present Simple and Present Continuous

Present Simple and Present Continuous are two of the most commonly used tenses in English. Both refer to the present, but they mean completely different things. What is the difference?
Present Simple is used for routines, facts, and schedules
I go to school every day. She works in a bank.
Present Continuous is used for things that are happening right now or temporarily:
I’m going to school now. She’s working on a new project this week.
On this page, you will find tasks and exercises on the difference between the Present Simple and Present Continuous. They will help you:

• understand the logic of each tense;
• learn to correctly identify the situation;
• choose the right form without hesitation.

Ready? Let's get started!

Read each sentence carefully. Identify which tense is used incorrectly and correct it to the correct tense: Present Simple or Present Continuous.
Example: He is going to school every day. → He goes to school every day.

1. She is liking chocolate very much.
2. I read a book right now.
3. We are go to the gym every Friday.
4. Look! The cat sleeps under the table.
5. My brother thinks about moving to another city these days.
6. What are you usually doing on Sundays?
7. They play football now.
8. I’m not understand the question.
9. Why do you cry now?
10. He goes to the store now.
11. The train is leaving at 9 p.m. every day.
12. She wears a red dress today.
13. I am usually getting up at 8 a.m.
14. Are you liking this movie?
15. The teacher explains the topic right now.

✅ You will find the answers to all the exercises at the end of the page.

For each situation, write:
A sentence in the present simple tense — about a regular action.
A sentence in the present continuous tense — about an action happening right now.
Example: Situation: She always reads before bed. Right now, she is reading a novel.
→ She always reads before bed.
→ She is reading a novel right now.

1. He works in an office. Now he works from home.
2. We often play board games. Now we are playing chess.
3. I don't watch TV on weekdays. But now I'm watching a series.
4. She takes the bus to work. Today she is taking a taxi.
5. They go to the gym on weekends. Now they are training there.
6. Mom cooks lunch every day. Right now she is cooking dinner.
7. We live in Germany. Right now we are staying with Grandma.
8. He doesn't usually wear glasses. But right now he is wearing them.
9. You often listen to music. Right now you are listening to a podcast.
10. The children play in the yard every day. Right now they are playing at home.
11. She often writes articles. Now she is writing a report.
12. I don't eat lunch at a cafe. But today I am eating lunch there.
13. He is learning English. Now he is taking an online lesson.
14. We always eat breakfast at home. Today we are eating breakfast at a cafe.
15. I walk to school. Now I am taking the bus.

✅ You will find the answers to all the exercises at the end of the page.

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