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    Learn English > English lessons and exercises > English test #24156: Present simple or continuous
    > Other English exercises on the same topic: Present [Change theme]
    > Similar tests: - Placement test : grammar for beginners - Two presents: present continuous, present simple - Present simple - Modal: may/might - Present simple - Present simple or continuous - Present simple - Present simple and habits
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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. 

     

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    English exercise "Present simple or continuous" created by lucile83 with The test builder. [More lessons & exercises from lucile83]
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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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