Present continuous or present simple? Complete the sentences choosing the right verb form.
Read about what Brad ‘does’ before
breakfast every day, and what he ‘is doing
now’.
Now, you write a paragraph about yourself.
Use some of the verbs below or think of
your own ideas.
This worksheet is about practicing the simple present tense and the present continuous. Students read, answer the activities and write a paragraph about themselves. The answer key is attached.
* Download This English Worksheet: “Present continuous and present simple English worksheet pdf”.
The Simple Present tense vs. The Present continuous Tense
| Aspect | Simple Present Tense | Present Continuous Tense |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | – Facts, general truths, and permanent situations. – Habitual actions or regular occurrences. – Scheduled events and timetables. | – Actions happening at the moment of speaking. – Temporary situations. – Future plans and arrangements. – Contrasts with previous states. – Gradual change or development. – Repeated actions. |
| Examples | – Water boils at 100 degrees. – I drink coffee every morning. – The conference begins next week. | – I’m just leaving work. – She is talking on the phone. – Mary is going to a new school next term. – The climate is changing rapidly. – It’s always raining in London. |
Simple Present Tense
The simple present tense serves several essential functions. Let us explore its usage:
- Facts and General Truths:
- We employ the simple present tense to express facts, general truths, and permanent situations.
- Example sentences:
- Water boils at 100 degrees.
- The sun rises in the east.
- Julie lives in London.
- Habits and Regular Actions:
- We use this tense to describe habitual actions or things we do regularly.
- Example sentences:
- I drink coffee every morning.
- She plays the piano after dinner.
- They walk their dog in the park.
- Scheduled Events and Timetables:
- The simple present tense is suitable for expressing future events that are part of a timetable.
- Example sentences:
- My plane leaves at eight tonight.
- The train departs from platform 3.
- The conference begins next week.
Present Continuous Tense
The present continuous tense conveys actions happening at the moment of speaking or temporary situations. Let us explore its usage:
- Actions in Progress:
- We use the present continuous tense to describe activities occurring right now.
- Example sentences:
- I’m just leaving work.
- The children are sleeping.
- She is talking on the phone.
- Future Plans and Arrangements:
- When discussing future events as part of arrangements, the present continuous tense is appropriate.
- Example sentences:
- Mary is going to a new school next term.
- What are you doing next week?
- Contrasts with Previous States:
- We use this tense to highlight changes or contrasts with a previous state.
- Example sentences:
- Most people are using email instead of writing letters.
- What sort of clothes are teenagers wearing nowadays?
- Gradual Change or Development:
- The present continuous tense describes ongoing changes, growth, or development.
- Example sentences:
- The climate is changing rapidly.
- Your English is improving.
- Repeated Actions:
- We can use the present continuous tense to express actions that happen repeatedly.
- Example sentences:
- It’s always raining in London.
- George is great. He’s always laughing.
