We use the present simple to talk about our habits, routines and general truths. The present continuous is used to talk about actions or situations that are going on at the moment of speaking.
Can you use the simple present and present continuous correctly? Test your understanding with this grammar exercise.
Fill in the blanks with an appropriate tense form.
1. She is Italian - She ......................... from Rome.
2. I .............................. my holiday in France.
We use the present continuous tense to talk about actions or situations that are going on at the moment of speaking.
3. What ........................... snakes .......................?
The present simple is used to talk about permanent situations.
4. I ........................... my grandparents every week.
We use the present simple to talk about our habits, routines etc.
5. I .......................... never to smoke again.
The present simple is used in promises.
6. How …………….. I ……………. to the railway station?
The simple present is used when we ask for and give directions.
7. I ……………. this fragrance very much.
Like is one of those verbs that are not normally used in the continuous form.
8. Why ……………….. you …………….? Is something wrong?
The present continuous tense is used to talk about temporary situations that are going on around now.
9. Why ……………. you …………… on the table?
The present continuous is used to talk about temporary situations.
10. The castle ……………….. on a hill outside the town.
The present simple is used to talk about more permanent situations.
11. ………….. you …………….. in ghosts?
Believe is not normally used in the continuous form.
12. I ………………. them almost every day.
The present simple is used to talk about things that happen regularly.
Answers
1. She is Italian – She hails from Rome.
2. I am enjoying my holiday in France.
3. What do snakes eat?
4. I visit my grandparents every week.
5. I promise never to smoke again.
6. How do I get to the railway station?
7. I like this fragrance very much.
8. Why are you crying? Is something wrong?
9. Why are you standing on the table?
10. The castle stands on a hill outside the town.
11. Do you believe in ghosts?
12. I meet them almost every day.
