Present Simple vs. Present Continuous Worksheets and Exercises

The Present Simple and Present Continuous tenses are commonly used to talk about everyday actions and ongoing situations. The Present Simple describes habits, routines, and general truths (e.g., I go to school every day), while the Present Continuous expresses actions happening right now or around the current time (e.g., I am studying English). Practice the following exercises to strengthen your understanding of when to use each tense correctly.

Present Simple vs. Present Continuous Worksheets

Present Simple vs. Present Continuous 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 is in the Present Simple or Present Continuous tense.

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 the Present Simple or Present Continuous to complete each sentence correctly.

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