Lesson
Here is a basic review of the two most common verb tenses in English. Remember, present continuous, which uses the verb "to be" plus another verb with "ing" is used to describe an action that's happening right this minute.
For example: John is working in the garage. This means John is working in the garage right this minute.
Present continuous can also be used to describe future actions that are already planned.
For example: We are going to Mexico on Tuesday.
Present simple, on the other hand, is used to describe an action in the present that describes the state of something or someone.
For example: John works at the grocery store. This means that John has employment at the grocery store but may or may not be working there right this minute.
Here are ten questions. Please insert the correct verb form and check your answers at the bottom.
1. Greg ____ guitar in a rock band.
a. plays b. is playing
2. Susan ____ on the tables in the bar right now!
a. dances b. is dancing
3. Keith Richards ____ a lot of drugs.
a. does b. is doing
4. The Rolling Stones ____ on a new album.
a. work b. are working
5. I ____ to Portland, Oregon, USA.
a. travel b. am traveling
6. George Bush ____ cartoons every day.
a. watches b. is watching
7. I ____ to Europe next Sunday.
a. go b. am going
8. They ____ a lot of tapas in Spain.
a. eat b. are eating
9. We ____ fried chicken next Sunday.
a. eat b. are eating
10. Mark ____ in very nice clothes.
a. dresses b. is dressing
Answers
1. a
2. b
3. a
4. b
5. b
6. a
7. b
8. a
9. b
10. a
