​Simple Present: We use the simple present to talk about regular actions, routines, or general truths.
Example:

  • I play tennis every Sunday. (This is something I do regularly.)
  • Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius. (This is a general truth.)

Present Continuous: We use the present continuous to talk about actions happening right now or around now.
Example:

  • I am playing tennis with my friends. (I am doing it right at this moment.)
  • She is studying for her exam. (She is doing it around now.)

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A more detailed explanation

  1. Habits and Routines: We use the simple present to talk about habits and routines. These are things that happen regularly, like daily, weekly, or monthly activities.
    • Example: I go to the gym every Monday.
  2. Facts and General Truths: The simple present is also used for facts and general truths that are always true.
    • Example: The Earth revolves around the sun.
  3. Scheduled Events: When talking about future events that are part of a schedule, we use the simple present.
    • Example: The train leaves at 3 PM tomorrow.

Present Continuous:

  1. Actions in Progress Now: We use the present continuous to describe actions that are happening right now or around the current moment.
    • Example: I am reading a book at the moment.
  2. Temporary Situations: It's used to describe temporary situations or actions that are not part of one's regular routine.
    • Example: She is staying with us for a few days.
  3. Future Plans: Sometimes, we use the present continuous to talk about future plans, especially when they are already confirmed or arranged.
    • Example: I'm meeting my friend for lunch tomorrow.
Simple Present or Present Continuous

Choose the Correct Form of the Verb and then click on the blank to see the answer

Simple Present or Present Continuous

  1. 1. The sun always ______ in the east.
    a) is rising
    b) rises
  2. 2. I ______ a letter to my friend.
    a) currently write
    b) am currently writing
  3. 3. Right now the chef ______ a delicious meal for lunch in the kitchen.
    a) is preparing
    b) prepares
  4. 4. She always ______ a healthy breakfast.
    a) is eating
    b) eats
  5. 5. The Earth ______ around the sun.
    a) is revolving
    b) revolves
  6. 6. Every day the train ______ at the station on time.
    a) is arriving
    b) arrives
  7. 7. I ______ for my exams this week.
    a) am studying
    b) study
  8. 8. The workers ______ the broken road outside.
    a) are fixing
    b) fix
  9. 9. She ______ a fascinating book at the moment.
    a) is reading
    b) reads
  10. 10. Every “full moon” the moon ______ brightly in the night sky.
    a) is shining
    b) shines
  11. 11. It ______ frequently in the rainy season.
    a) is raining
    b) rains
  12. 12. The company ______ high-quality products.
    a) is manufacturing
    b) manufactures
  13. 13. The cat ______ for most of the day.
    a) is sleeping
    b) sleeps
  14. 14. “You can see the sun ______ behind the mountains”.
    a) is setting
    b) sets
  15. 15. We ______ for the bus at the bus stop.
    a) are waiting
    b) wait
  16. 16. The river ______ gently downstream to the sea.
    a) is flowing
    b) flows
  17. 17. He ______ a suit to work every day.
    a) is wearing
    b) wears
  18. 18. Whenever possible the children ______ in the park after school.
    a) are playing
    b) play
  19. 19. She ______ dinner for the family right now.
    a) is cooking
    b) cooks
  20. 20. I ______ to play the guitar. I started last week.
    a) am learning
    b) learn