Mixed exercise 1: present simple & progressive

(Practise differentiating the present simple & continuous)

Present simple & present progressive – cloze test (difficulty: 3 of 5 – medium)

Put the verb in brackets either in the present simple or the present progressive (ing or continuous form). Remember to use the auxiliary verb ‘to do’ for questions in the present simple. Do not use any short forms for the gaps.

  • Example: “George _____ basketball every week.” (play) → “George plays basketball every week.”

You can check your results with the button below after you have finished. If you still need help with the topic, read the explanations on the simple present and the present continuous again. You may also use the hint button, but note that you will lose points for that.

  1. I’m sorry, Sue cannot speak to you now. She a shower. (take)
  2. I this blue jacket. It makes me feel old. (not like)
  3. How many cigarettes you a day? – I think about 10. (smoke)
  4. Look at that man! He in the river. (swim)
  5. Usually, I coffee in the morning, but today I tea. (drink, have)
  6. Sarah, you everything he says? – Yes, why not? (believe)
  7. That handbag you at about 200 euros. (look, cost)
  8. A: Our neighbour in the garden every day. (work)
    B: But have a look! Today he in the sun and is reading a book. (sit)
  9. It which computer you buy. They are both very good. (not matter)

Exercises and explanations related to the ‘Present simple & continuous’

The following exercises and explanations are related to the topic ‘Present simple & continuous (the simple present and the progressive form) in English grammar’: