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

12.06.2025
3 minutes to read
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!

Table of contents

Insert the verb in brackets in the correct form: Present Simple or Present Continuous. Pay attention to the time markers (every day, now, at the moment, always, etc.).
Example: She ___ (watch) TV now. → She is watching TV now.
  1. He usually ___ (get up) at 7 a.m.
  2. Look! It ___ (snow) outside!
  3. I ___ (not understand) this exercise.
  4. They ___ (have) lunch at the moment.
  5. My father ___ (work) as a doctor.
  6. Be quiet! The baby ___ (sleep).
  7. We often ___ (go) to the cinema on weekends.
  8. I ___ (read) a very interesting book now.
  9. She ___ (not like) horror movies.
  10. Where ___ you ___ (go) right now?
  11. The sun ___ (rise) in the east.
  12. Listen! Somebody ___ (play) the piano.
  13. My friend ___ (live) in London.
  14. Why ___ she ___ (cry) now?
  15. I ___ (not watch) TV every day.

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

Exercise 1: Insert the correct form of the verb (Present Simple or Present Continuous)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct verb form

In each sentence, choose which verb form is correct: Present Simple or Present Continuous.
Example: She (goes / is going) to the gym every Friday. → goes
Answer the questions by choosing one correct option.
Exercise 2
Take the quiz
Look! He (runs / is running) very fast!
Incorrect
Right!
Next
Check
Show results
I (don’t like / am not liking) spicy food.
Right!
Incorrect
Next
Check
Show results
She usually (drinks / is drinking) tea in the morning.
Right!
Incorrect
Next
Check
Show results
Listen! They (talk / are talking) about you.
Incorrect
Right!
Next
Check
Show results
The shop (closes / is closing) at 10 p.m. every day.
Right!
Incorrect
Next
Check
Show results
We (have / are having) a great time right now.
Incorrect
Right!
Next
Check
Show results
My brother (reads / is reading) a comic at the moment.
Incorrect
Right!
Next
Check
Show results
They always (arrive / are arriving) late.
Right!
Incorrect
Next
Check
Show results
Why (do you cry / are you crying)?
Incorrect
Right
Next
Check
Show results
My dad (drives / is driving) to work every day.
Right
Incorrect
Next
Check
Show results
She (thinks / is thinking) about moving to Canada now.
Incorrect
Right!
Next
Check
Show results
I never (go / am going) to bed late.
Right!
Incorrect
Next
Check
Show results
He (takes / is taking) a shower at the moment.
Incorrect
Right!
Next
Check
Show results
What time (does the train leave / is the train leaving)?
Right!
Incorrect
Next
Check
Show results
We (don’t watch / aren’t watching) TV now — we’re busy.
Incorrect
Right!
Next
Check
Show results
Excellent understanding of the differences between Present Simple and Present Continuous
You clearly understand the difference between actions that occur regularly and those that are happening right now.
Restart
You have the knowledge in general, but you need to review a little
You understand the general difference, but sometimes you get confused when using tenses.
Restart
Needs to review the topic
You still find it difficult to distinguish between and correctly use these two tenses.
Restart

Exercise 3: Correct the error in tense

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.

Exercise 4: Make sentences in the present simple and present continuous tenses.

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.
Answers
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