The present simple is used to talk about facts, general truths, habits and routines. The present continuous is used to talk about actions or situations that are going on at the moment of speaking.
1Martin ............... in his garage right now.
Wrong!
Use the present continuous for an action happening now, so the correct answer is "is working".
2Martin ............... fixing things.
Wrong!
Use the simple present for likes and preferences, so the correct answer is "enjoys".
3What ............... for breakfast tomorrow?
Wrong!
Use the present continuous for a planned arrangement, so the correct answer is "are we having".
4I ............... France this summer.
Wrong!
Use the present continuous for a future arrangement, so the correct answer is "am visiting".
5I ............... France every summer.
Wrong!
Use the simple present for a regular habit, so the correct answer is "visit".
6............... on any new projects at the moment?
Wrong!
Use the present continuous with "at the moment", so the correct answer is "Are you working".
7............... on Sundays?
Wrong!
Use the simple present for regular routines, so the correct answer is "Do you work".
8How often ...............?
Wrong!
Use the simple present with "How often" for routines, so the correct answer is "do you work out".
9Susie ............... here often.
Wrong!
Use the simple present with "often" for habits, so the correct answer is "comes".
10............... with us to the movies tonight?
Wrong!
Use the present continuous for a near-future arrangement, so the correct answer is "Are you coming".
11Anna is on the roof. ............... right now?
Wrong!
"Know" is a stative verb, so it takes the simple present ("Does she know"), not "Is she knowing". "Right now" shows an action in progress, so the second verb needs the present continuous ("what she is doing"). The correct answer is "Does she know what she is doing".
12How ............... a washing machine?
Wrong!
Use the simple present to ask about a general process, so the correct answer is "do you start".
Exercise complete
0 out of 12
correct answers
Answers
- Martin is working in his garage right now.
- Martin enjoys fixing things.
- What are we having for breakfast tomorrow?
- I am visiting France this summer.
- I visit France every summer.
- Are you working on any new projects at the moment?
- Do you work on Sundays?
- How often do you work out?
- Susie comes here often.
- Are you coming with us to the movies tonight?
- Anna is on the roof. Does she know what she is doing right now?
- How do you start a washing machine?