Present Continuous vs Present Simple

Present Continuous for actions happening now vs Present Simple for habits and facts

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1. 1
   Multiple choice

   Look! It .

   snowsis snowingsnowingWe use the Present Continuous for things happening now.
2. 2
   Multiple choice

   I usually to work, but today I'm taking the bus.

   walkam walkingwalkingWe use the Present Simple with 'usually' for habits.
3. 3
   Multiple choice

   Listen! Somebody at the door.

   knocksis knockingknock'Listen!' shows the action is happening now, so we use the Present Continuous.
4. 4
   Multiple choice

   Water at 100 degrees Celsius.

   boilsis boilingboilWe use the Present Simple for facts that are always true.
5. 5
   Fill the gap

   Be quiet, please. The baby (sleep).

   Answer: is sleepingThe action is happening now, so we use am/is/are + -ing.
6. 6
   Fill the gap

   She (not / watch) TV at the moment; she's reading.

   Answer: isn't watchingAlso accepted: is not watchingThe negative of the Present Continuous is 'isn't' / 'aren't' + -ing.
7. 7
   Fill the gap

   How often you go to the gym?

   doaredoes'How often' asks about habits, so we use the Present Simple with 'do'.
8. 8
   Fill the gap

   What you doing right now?

   aredois'Right now' needs the Present Continuous: 'are you doing'.
9. 9
   Fill the gap

   My father (work) in a bank. He's a manager there.

   Answer: worksWe use the Present Simple for permanent situations like jobs.
10. 10
    True / false

    This sentence is correct: 'I am knowing the answer.'

    Answer: False'Know' is a state verb, so we don't use it with -ing: 'I know the answer.'
11. 11
    True / false

    This sentence is correct: 'They are playing football in the park now.'

    Answer: True'Now' shows an action in progress, so the Present Continuous is correct.
12. 12
    Discussion question

    What do you usually do at the weekend? What are you doing differently this week?

    Sample answer: I usually relax at home and read. This week I'm helping my friend because she is moving to a new flat.