Present Simple or Continuous

In Johannesburg most people ____ at least five languages.

• speaks

• are speaking

• speaking

• speak

Answer explanation

We use the present simple for permanent situations or things that are usually or often true.

Languages ____ very fast. Half of world's languages will disappear by 2100.

• are disappearing

• disappearing

• disappear

• disappears

Answer explanation

We use the present continuous to talk about situations that are changing or developing.

You can't see Tim now; he _____ a bath.

• having

• is having

• has

• have

Answer explanation

We use the present continuous for actions in progress now or 'around now'.

Please keep quiet, I _____ to the radio. You know I _____ to the news in the mornings.

• am listening - listening

• am listening - am listening

• am listening - listen

• listen - am listening

Answer explanation

We use present progressive for actions in progress now or 'around now' (I'm listening now).

We use present simple for habits; for actions that we do (o we don’t do) regularly (I listen in the mornings).

What time _____?

• is the first train leave

• does the first train leaves

• is the first train leaving?

• does the first train leave

Answer explanation

We use the present simple to refer to future events which are timetabled.

I never ____ a scarf, but today I ____  one because it's unusually cold.

• wears - am wearing

• wear - 'm wearing

• wearing - wear

• wears - wearing

Answer explanation

➪ We use present simple for habits (I never wear).

➪ We use the present continuous for actions in progress now or 'around now' (today I'm wearing).

I finished watching the series you recommended. Now I ____  another one.

• watching

• watch

• 'm watching

• am watch

Answer explanation

➪ We use the present progressive to talk about temporary actions or events that are going on 'around now' (maybe not at the moment of speaking, but these days, weeks, etc.). I'm not watching the series right now, as I am speaking, but I'm watching it these days.

What ____  tonight? Would you like to come and watch the game?

• are you doing

• you are doing

• do you do

• you doing

Answer explanation

➪ We use the present continuous to talk or ask about future arrangements, i.e. future actions that are already planned or decided.

Nobody ____ they will win the match.

• thinking

• think

• is thinking

• thinks

Answer explanation

➪ We use the present simple and not progressive with stative or non-action verbs.

➪ Think is a non-action verb when it means 'believe', 'be someone's opinion'.

Christina ______ because she's late for her lesson.

• run

• running

• is running

• runs

Answer explanation

➪ We use the present continuous for actions in progress now or 'around now'.