10 Put the verbs in brackets into the present simple or the present continuous. Explain why.

Task 10: Present Simple vs Present Continuous

This task requires filling in the blanks with the correct form of the verb (present simple or present continuous) and explaining the reason for the choice.

Part 1: Filling the blanks

• 1. He often goes (go) to the cinema. (Reason: Habitual action)
• 2. They are not watching (not/watch) TV at the moment. (Reason: Action happening now)
• 3. John is outside. He is washing (wash) the car. (Reason: Action in progress now)
• 4. Dad is lying (lie) on the sofa now. (Reason: Action happening now)
• 5. Claire does not like (not/like) pizza. (Reason: General truth/preference)
• 6. Are you sleeping (you/sleep) early on weekdays? (Reason: Question about a current or general habit)

Part 2: Underline the correct time expression.

• 1. I go to school every morning / at the moment. (Reason: 'Every morning' indicates a habitual action, fitting the present simple.)
• 2. My parents never / now go to work on Sundays. (Reason: 'Never' is an adverb of frequency used with the present simple for habitual actions.)
• 3. I go skiing every winter / today. (Reason: 'Every winter' indicates a regular, habitual activity.)
• 4. Always / At present do my homework. I'm a very good student. (Reason: 'Always' with the present simple indicates a habitual action, which aligns with being a good student.)
• 5. I am having an English lesson now / every day. (Reason: 'Now' indicates an action in progress, requiring the present continuous.)
• 6. My parents are working on Saturdays / at the moment. (Reason: 'At the moment' indicates an action in progress, requiring the present continuous.)
• 7. I watch TV tonight / in the evenings. (Reason: 'In the evenings' refers to a regular, habitual occurrence, fitting the present simple.)
• 8. I usually / at present go out with my friends on Sundays. (Reason: 'Usually' is an adverb of frequency used with the present simple for habitual actions.)

Part 3: Put the verbs in brackets into the present simple or the present continuous.

Dear Katy,

Here I am (be) in Mykonos, Greece. The weather is (be) fantastic. We are having (have) a wonderful time. At the moment, I am lying (lie) by the swimming pool with my brother, James. I am sunbathing (sunbathe) and James is drinking (drink) lemonade. We are sunbathing (sunbathe) and are swimming (swim) every day. At night, we usually eat (eat) at a restaurant and then we perform (perform) at one of the fantastic places on the island. I love (love) it here and I do not want (not/want) to leave!

Love,

Miss S. Jones,
38 Dean Park, Peebles
Border Region
EH45 8DD Scotland
U.K.