Present simple vs continuous
exercises + PDF with answers

Present simple vs present continuous exercises with answers

PDF exercises to download for free:

Online exercises with answers:

Exercise 1 Part 1. A multiple choice test. 2. Complete sentences.

Exercise 2 Complete sentences with the verbs in brackets.

Exercise 3 Put jumbled words in the correct order.

Exercise 4 Affirmative, negative and question forms.

Exercise 5 Negative sentences in short dialogues.

Exercise 6 Complete positive questions.

Exercise 7 Make wh- questions.

More exercises and PDF worksheets:

PDF grammar rules:

Present simple vs present continuous tense

Learn the difference between the present simple and continuous.

Present simple tense

This tense is used for repeated activities. We often use expressions such as: every Sunday, very often, sometimes, always, never.
I sometimes go to school by bike. You don't speak Greek very often. Do they ever get up early?
He always travels by train. She doesn't on Sundays. Does she ever help you?

2. We use it for facts that are always true.
Our planet moves round the sun. Lions eat meat.

3. With a future time expression (tomorrow, next week) it is used for planned future actions (timetables).
The train leaves at 8.15. They return tonight.

Present continuous tense

The present continuous is used for activities that are happening at the moment of speaking (just now).
I am learning English at the moment. You aren't listening! Why is he sitting here?

2. We use it for temporary activities which are happening about this time (today, this week), but not necessarily at the moment of speaking.
I am in London this week. I am staying at the hotel. (But you can be somewhere else at the moment of speaking.)
She can't go out. She is writing her essay today. (But she can be having lunch at the moment of speaking.)
You can't borrow this book today. Mary is reading it. (But not right now.)

3. With a future time expression (soon, tomorrow, tonight, on Monday) it is used for definite arrangements in the near future.
I am leaving soon. We are meeting on Monday.

The present simple and present continuous can be used for planned future actions. The present continuous, however, is more personal than the present simple, because it expresses the speaker's plan.