Present Simple vs Present Continuous: eight exercises
The guard checks the gate every day. Right now, the guard is checking a strange package. The action is similar; the time and viewpoint change the verb form.
Rules and examples
Habits and general facts
Present Simple describes a routine or general state. With he, she or it, ordinary affirmative verbs usually add -s or -es.
An action in progress
Present Continuous uses am/is/are plus the -ing form for an action in progress now or a temporary situation.
Meaning before markers
Every day and right now are useful clues here. They are not universal switches: continuous forms can describe temporary repeated actions, and state verbs usually use a simple form.
Mira repairs armour as her regular job.
Mira is repairing this shield right now.
The first describes her usual work; the second shows one action in progress.
A common mistake
Keep the auxiliary in the continuous: is repairing, not is repair. After does, use the base form: Does he repair ...?
Try the exercises
Choose an answer before opening each explanation. These are self-check exercises, not a CEFR assessment.
Choose guards / is guarding. As his regular duty, Leo ___ the gate every night.
Answer and explanation
guards — The sentence states Leo's regular duty.
Choose reads / is reading. Look at Mira right now: she ___ the warning aloud.
Answer and explanation
is reading — The action is in progress at this moment.
Choose carry / are carrying. As our usual routine, we ___ spare torches on every trip.
Answer and explanation
carry — This is a regular routine, with the plural subject we.
Choose cross / are crossing. We cannot stop now: we ___ the bridge.
Answer and explanation
are crossing — The crossing is taking place now.
Choose knows / is knowing. The guide ___ the safe route.
Answer and explanation
knows — Know normally describes a state and takes a simple form.
Choose does not wear / is not wearing. The smith usually wears gloves, but right now he ___.
Answer and explanation
is not wearing — The sentence contrasts his usual habit with the present situation.
Choose does / is. ___ the warden check every visitor as part of his usual job?
Answer and explanation
Does — A routine with an ordinary verb uses does for this singular subject.
Choose fix / fixing. They are ___ the damaged door at the moment.
Answer and explanation
fixing — Are needs an -ing form to build the Present Continuous.
Continue in GrammarRift
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Clockwork Forge · Stage 2: Everyday English
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