Present Simple vs. Present Continuous Worksheets and Exercises

The Present Simple and Present Continuous tenses are two of the most common verb tenses in English. They are frequently used to talk about everyday actions, routines, and situations happening now.

The Present Simple tense describes habits, daily routines, and general truths. For example: I go to school every day.

The Present Continuous tense describes actions happening right now or around the present time. For example: I am studying English.

Practice the exercises below to strengthen your understanding of Present Simple vs Present Continuous and learn how to use each tense correctly.

Present Simple vs Present Continuous Worksheets

Related: Present Simple Tense: Rules, Uses, and Examples

Present Simple vs Present Continuous Exercises

Related: Simple Present Tense Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Form

Choose the correct form of the verb in parentheses.

1. She usually (go/goes/is going) to the gym after work.
2. Right now, they (cook/are cooking) dinner.
3. My brother (plays/is playing) football every weekend.
4. Listen! The birds (sing/are singing) beautifully.
5. He (doesn’t like/isn’t liking) spicy food.
6. We (study/are studying) for our exams at the moment.
7. It (rains/is raining) a lot in my country in the summer.
8. I (read/am reading) an interesting book this week.
9. They (don’t watch/aren’t watching) TV every day.
10. Be quiet! The baby (sleeps/is sleeping) now.

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Use the correct form of the verb (Present Simple or Present Continuous).

1. I __________ (not like) coffee.
2. She __________ (do) her homework right now.
3. We __________ (go) to school every weekday.
4. They __________ (not watch) TV at the moment.
5. Look! It __________ (rain).
6. He always __________ (wear) a suit to work.
7. My parents __________ (travel) to France this week.
8. The sun __________ (rise) in the east.
9. I __________ (cook) dinner, can you help me?
10. She often __________ (visit) her grandmother on Sundays.

Exercise 3: Identify the Tense

Decide whether each sentence uses Present Simple or Present Continuous.

1. I am cleaning my room.
2. She works in a hospital.
3. We are playing basketball.
4. They eat lunch at noon.
5. He is writing a letter.
6. My mom cooks delicious meals.
7. I am watching a movie right now.
8. The train leaves at 7 a.m.
9. She is wearing a red dress today.
10. Birds fly in the sky.

Exercise 4: Correct the Mistakes

Each sentence contains one mistake. Rewrite it correctly.

1. She is go to the gym every day. → __________________
2. I am usually eating breakfast at 7 a.m. → __________________
3. My father is work in a bank. → __________________
4. They play football now. → __________________
5. It rains right now, take an umbrella! → __________________
6. We are live in London. → __________________
7. I watching a movie at the moment. → __________________
8. She is like pizza. → __________________
9. They are go to school every morning. → __________________
10. Look! The cat sleep on the sofa. → __________________

Exercise 5: Rewrite in the Correct Tense

Use Present Simple or Present Continuous to complete each sentence.

1. I usually __________ (get up) early, but today I __________ (sleep) late.
2. She __________ (read) a new novel this week.
3. We __________ (visit) our grandparents every Sunday.
4. They __________ (not watch) TV now; they __________ (do) their homework.
5. The shop __________ (open) at 9 a.m. every morning.
6. He __________ (study) for his exam at the moment.
7. My parents __________ (not drink) coffee every day.
8. Listen! The baby __________ (cry).
9. I __________ (like) this restaurant; the food is great.
10. She usually __________ (drive) to work, but today she __________ (take) the bus.

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Answer Key

Exercise 1

1. goes
2. are cooking
3. plays
4. are singing
5. doesn’t like
6. are studying
7. rains
8. am reading
9. don’t watch
10. is sleeping

Exercise 2

1. don’t like
2. is doing
3. go
4. aren’t watching
5. is raining
6. wears
7. are traveling
8. rises
9. am cooking
10. visits

Exercise 3

1. Present Continuous
2. Present Simple
3. Present Continuous
4. Present Simple
5. Present Continuous
6. Present Simple
7. Present Continuous
8. Present Simple
9. Present Continuous
10. Present Simple

Exercise 4

1. She goes to the gym every day.
2. I usually eat breakfast at 7 a.m.
3. My father works in a bank.
4. They are playing football now.
5. It is raining right now, take an umbrella!
6. We live in London.
7. I am watching a movie at the moment.
8. She likes pizza.
9. They go to school every morning.
10. Look! The cat is sleeping on the sofa.

Exercise 5

1. get up / am sleeping
2. is reading
3. visit
4. aren’t watching / are doing
5. opens
6. is studying
7. don’t drink
8. is crying
9. like
10. drives / is taking