Present Simple vs Present Progressive worksheet - Free Printable

Task: Present Simple vs Present Progressive

The task requires you to use the verbs in parentheses in either the Present Simple or Present Progressive tense, depending on the context of each sentence.

#### Key Differences:
- Present Simple: Used for habitual actions, general truths, or routines.
- Structure: Subject + Verb (base form for most verbs, or "s/es" for third-person singular).
- Present Progressive: Used for actions happening now, temporary situations, or future plans.
- Structure: Subject + "am/is/are" + Verb-ing.

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Solutions with Explanations:

1. Listen! How nicely this girl _________. (sing)
- Answer: is singing
- Explanation: The action is happening right now (indicated by "Listen!"), so use the Present Progressive.

2. My friend and I always _________ at the school concerts. (sing)
- Answer: sing
- Explanation: The action is a habit or routine (indicated by "always"), so use the Present Simple.

3. ________ you sometimes _________ family clothes? (iron)
- Answer: Do, iron
- Explanation: The question asks about a habitual action ("sometimes"), so use the Present Simple. Add "Do" as the auxiliary verb for questions.

4. Yes, these days I _________ my little sister’s and my own clothes because Mum is very busy at work. (iron)
- Answer: am ironing
- Explanation: The phrase "these days" indicates a current, ongoing activity, so use the Present Progressive.

5. They _________ tennis at weekends. (play)
- Answer: play
- Explanation: The action happens regularly at weekends, so use the Present Simple.

6. But today the weather is rainy and they _________ table tennis. (play)
- Answer: are playing
- Explanation: The action is happening now due to the rainy weather, so use the Present Progressive.

7. In the morning I get up and _________ my bed. (make)
- Answer: make
- Explanation: This is a habitual action that occurs every morning, so use the Present Simple.

8. Look at the mess in her room! She never _________ her bed. (make)
- Answer: makes
- Explanation: The action is a habit (or lack thereof), so use the Present Simple. Note that "she" is third-person singular, so add "-s".

9. She can do it now. She _________ enough time. (have)
- Answer: has
- Explanation: This is a general statement about her situation, so use the Present Simple. Note that "she" is third-person singular, so use "has".

10. How often _______ she _______ to the Art school? Twice a week. (go)
- Answer: does, go
- Explanation: The question asks about frequency, indicating a habitual action, so use the Present Simple. Add "does" as the auxiliary verb for questions.

11. She _________ a portrait of her brother now. (paint)
- Answer: is painting
- Explanation: The action is happening right now (indicated by "now"), so use the Present Progressive.

12. When _______ you _______ the Net? When I _______ some information. (surf, need)
- Answer: do, surf, need
- Explanation: The first part asks about a habitual action, so use the Present Simple with "do" as the auxiliary verb. The second part describes a general condition, so use the Present Simple.

13. At the moment I _________ the Net too. I _______ a song to download. (surf, need)
- Answer: am surfing, need
- Explanation: The first part describes an action happening now (indicated by "at the moment"), so use the Present Progressive. The second part describes a current need, so use the Present Simple.

14. This month we _________ with friends. (not hang out)
- Answer: aren’t hanging out
- Explanation: The phrase "this month" suggests a temporary situation, so use the Present Progressive with "aren’t" to indicate the negative form.

15. We must stay at home this spring, and we _________ it. (hate)
- Answer: hate
- Explanation: This is a general feeling or opinion, so use the Present Simple.

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Final Answers:

1. is singing
2. sing
3. Do, iron
4. am ironing
5. play
6. are playing
7. make
8. makes
9. has
10. does, go
11. is painting
12. do, surf, need
13. am surfing, need
14. aren’t hanging out
15. hate

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Boxed Final Answer:
\[
\boxed{
\begin{aligned}
1. & \text{is singing} \\
2. & \text{sing} \\
3. & \text{Do, iron} \\
4. & \text{am ironing} \\
5. & \text{play} \\
6. & \text{are playing} \\
7. & \text{make} \\
8. & \text{makes} \\
9. & \text{has} \\
10. & \text{does, go} \\
11. & \text{is painting} \\
12. & \text{do, surf, need} \\
13. & \text{aren’t hanging out} \\
14. & \text{hate} \\
\end{aligned}
}
\]