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Present simple or continuous - English lesson

 Take care that some verbs because of their meaning can't be put in the continuous form.

For instance, it would be incorrect to say that I am hearing something truly sweet.

The correct way to say this is: I hear something truly sweet.

Again it would be wrong to say I am thinking he is a fool.

The correct way to say this is : I think he is a fool.

Normally we use expressions like

now, at the moment, at present, today , this morning etc with the present continuous tense.

For instance, consider the following sentence:- At present he is sleeping !

We use the simple present  to talk about an action which frequently happens but actually may not be happening now.

With the simple present we use the following words/expressions:

 often, usually, sometimes, generally, occasionally, daily, every week etc.

Exercise:

In each of the following sentences put the verbs in brackets into the simple present or the present continuous tense.

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English exercise "Present simple or continuous" created by sreedhar with The test builder. [More lessons & exercises from sreedhar]
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1. We (agree) to the decision taken by our superior.

2. The luxurious villa over there (belong) to a pal of mine.

3. For goodness sake don't disturb me. Can't you see that I (read)?

4. This coat rack (cost) merely two dollars.

5. Somebody (knock) at the door and here I am lying in my bed too tired to respond.

6. This lexicon (weigh) 3 kilos !

7. He (relax) at the moment so I would rather not disturb him.

8. He usually (spend) his free time chatting with his friends.

9. This boy (want) some chocolate and is pestering his mother thus.

10. He (build) a lovely house for himself.