Some verbs are not normally used in progressive (continuous) forms. Some have both progressive and non-progressive forms with different meanings.
This grammar exercise tests your understanding of common progressive and non-progressive verbs.
1. I ....................... fine.
The word feel can be used in continuous and non-continuous forms to talk about health.
2. I ........................ you shouldn't do this.
When feel means 'have an opinion', it is not used in the continuous form.
3. What ..................... you ..................... about my hair style?
When think means 'have an opinion' it doesn't have an ing form.
4. I ............................. your dad tomorrow.
We use the present continuous to talk about an arrangement that already exists.
5. The fish ......................... awful.
Verbs that refer to the use of the senses do not normally have continuous forms.
6. I ......................... this song.
The verbs love and like are almost never used in the continuous form.
7. I rang her up because I ........................... to talk.
The verb want is not normally used in the continuous form.
8. I ....................... what you mean.
When 'see' means understand it is not used in the continuous form.
9. The stew ............................ wonderful.
The verb 'taste' is not normally used in the continuous form.
10. If I ....................... the answer, I will tell you.
The verb 'know' is not normally used in the continuous form.
11. He ............................ 85 kg.
The verb 'weigh' is not normally used in the continuous form.
12. ..................... you .................... in God?
The verb 'believe' does not normally have a continuous form.
Answers
1. I feel / am feeling fine.
2. I feel you shouldn’t do this.
3. What do you think about my hair style?
4. I am seeing your dad tomorrow.
5. The fish smells awful.
6. I like this song.
7. I rang her up because I wanted to talk.
8. I see what you mean.
9. The stew tastes wonderful.
10. If I know the answer, I will tell you.
11. He weighs 85 kg.
12. Do you believe in God?
