Present Simple vs Present Continuous Exercises

The present simple is for things that are always or usually true: habits, routines, facts and timetables. The present continuous is for things happening now, temporary situations and changes. Have a quick look at the table first. Then try the exercises: after each answer you’ll see a one-line explanation.

Present simplePresent continuous
FormI work / she works
I don’t work / she doesn’t work
Do you work? / Does she work?		I am working / she is working
I’m not working / she isn’t working
Are you working? / Is she working?
Usehabits and routines
facts and general truths
timetables and schedules		actions happening now
temporary situations
trends and changes
future arrangements
Signal wordsalways, usually, often, sometimes, never, every day, on Mondaysnow, right now, at the moment, today, this week, Look! Listen!
ExampleShe works in a bank.She’s working from home this week.

Present simple vs present continuous quiz

Four sets of 20 questions: start with Basics (A1) and move up to Intermediate (B1), or try the At work set with office situations. Choose an option or type the verb in the correct form. Prefer to check everything at the end? Switch to Exam mode.

Level A1 20 questions ~8 min

  1. Listen! The baby  .

  2. My father   coffee every morning.

  3. Water (boil) at 100 degrees Celsius.

  4. Look! It  .

  5. She (not / like) spicy food.

  6.   you speak French?

  7. We usually   to school by bus.

  8. Be quiet, please. I (study) for my exam.

  9. Tom   football on Saturdays.

  10. What   you doing right now?

  11. The sun (rise) in the east.

  12. My mum can’t come to the phone. She   a shower.

  13. How often   you go to the cinema?

  14. Look at those children! They (dance) in the rain.

  15. I never   meat. I’m vegetarian.

  16. “Where’s Anna?” “She   in the garden.”

  17. (your brother / work) in a bank? Yes, he’s a cashier.

  18. Most cats   fish.

  19. I   what you mean.

  20. Shh! The film (start).

0 / 20

Teachers: download these questions as a printable worksheet with an answer key. It’s free to use in class.

Stative verbs: no continuous form

Some verbs describe states, not actions, so we normally don’t use them in the continuous, even when we mean “now”.

  • Feelings: like, love, hate, want, prefer, need
  • Thinking: know, understand, believe, remember, mean, agree
  • Possession: have (= own), own, belong
  • Senses and qualities: seem, look (= seem), taste, smell, weigh, cost

Some of these verbs can be continuous when they describe an action: I think it’s a good idea (opinion) vs I’m thinking about it (considering); She has a car (owns) vs She’s having lunch (eating).

Common mistakes

  • ❌ I am knowing the answer. → ✅ I know the answer.
  • ❌ She work in London. → ✅ She works in London. (he/she/it + -s)
  • ❌ Look! It rains. → ✅ Look! It’s raining.
  • ❌ Do you be busy? → ✅ Are you busy?

FAQ

How do I know which one to use?

Ask two questions. Is it usually or always true? Use the present simple. Is it happening now or only for a limited time? Use the present continuous. Then check if the verb is a stative verb. If it is, use the present simple.

What level are these exercises?

There are four sets: Basics (A1), Elementary (A2), Intermediate (B1) and At work (A2–B1). The intermediate set covers verbs with two meanings, always + continuous for annoying habits, and future arrangements.

Can I use these exercises in class?

Yes. Under each quiz there is a link to download it as a printable PDF worksheet with an answer key on a separate page. It’s free to use with your students.