Present simple or continuous

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Present simple or continuous

Present simple (they play) present progressive (continuous) (they are playing) :
- They play tennis very well ...it is a statement of fact
- They play tennis on Saturday afternoons...it is a habit
- What are they doing now? - they are playing tennis...that happens right now
Present progressive (present continuous):
It is used when the action is done while you are talking.

The present progressive is formed with 'to be' in the present tense+the present participle of the verb.
Here are some examples:

Look! he's sleeping.
Somebody is waiting for you.
What are you looking at?
What are you looking for?
What is she doing? - She must be working in the garden.
He is writing a new novel.
I am reading a good book.
Don't take this book, I'm reading it!

The present simple :

1) It is used for facts that are true now and later:
Examples:
Spring begins on March 21st.
The earth revolves round the sun.
He plays the piano.
2) It may express a repetition or a habit:
Examples:
We have tea at 4.
She goes to London twice a month.
Compare these two sentences:
He wears glasses because he is short-sighted. Why isn't he wearing them today?
He's learning his lessons. He always learns them at the last minute.
Exercise: complete the sentences with the present simple or the present continuous.
Remember to take the placement test as well test

English exercise "Present simple or continuous" created by lucile83 with The test builder
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1. John usually (cut) the grass on Saturday afternoons.
2. I (do) his ironing today because he is going to London tomorrow afternoon on the 2.30 train.
3. We (not see) you very often. Why don't you come round for a cup of tea?
4. Hey! Who (you/ think) of? - My boyfriend!
5. What (you / think) about them? - I think they're friendly.
6. (like/you) our country? -Yes, it's wonderful.
7. I even (prefer) England to my own country.
8. He (play) at the Albert Hall tonight.
9. He usually (play) at Central Park.
10. That woman (look) friendly, doesn't she?

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