Simple Present Or Present Continuous?

Use the simple present for actions that happen in general.

Use the present continuous for actions happening at the moment or current/temporary projects.

Present Simple	Present Continuous
I work from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.	I’m currently working on a new project.
Mark studies English every day.	Mark is studying the present continuous at the moment.
We usually go to Europe in the summer.	Right now, we’re going to the supermarket.
They always talk to their boss in the morning.	They’re talking to him now.
Does it usually rain in the winter?	No, but it’s raining now. Take an umbrella.

These words can help you know if the sentence needs simple present or present continuous:

Simple Present:

• Always
• Usually
• Often
• Sometimes
• Never
• Every (day/night/year/summer/winter)

Present Continuous:

• Now
• Right now
• At the moment
• Currently
• This week/month/year
• Today

Present Simple Or Present Continuous?

Question 1

Amanda and Oscar always ________ to the gym after work.

A	go
B	are going

Question 2

Rita _________ how to ride  a bike.

A	doesn’t know
B	isn’t knowing

Question 3

How often _______________ your house?

A	do you clean
B	are you cleaning

Question 4

My cousin never _________ me a birthday present.

A	gives
B	is giving

Question 5

My colleagues normally ____________ lunch in the office.

A	don’t eat
B	aren’t eating

Question 6

How many children ____________?

A	do you have
B	are you having

Question 7

Please turn down the music; _____________ to study.

A	I’m trying
B	I try

Question 8

“Where’s mom?”

“______________ a shower.”

A	She’s taking
B	She takes

Question 9

“Yes, I can talk now. ____________________.”

A	I’m not driving
B	I don’t drive

Question 10

Jane is cold because ______________  a jacket.

A	she’s not wearing
B	she doesn’t wear

Question 11

Watch out! Your son _____________ into the street!

A	is running
B	runs

Question 12

My husband ____________ tennis three times a week.

A	plays
B	is playing

Question 13

“Where _____________?”

“To my grandmother’s house – see you later!”

A	are you going
B	do you go

Question 14

“What _____________?”

“She’s baking a cake.”

A	‘s she doing
B	she does

Question 15

He normally _________ every weekday, but today _____________ because it’s a holiday.

A	works / he’s not working
B	working / he doesn’t work
C	work / he not working

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