This document provides examples to illustrate the difference between the present simple and present continuous tenses in English. It contains sentences where the reader must choose the correct verb form, present simple or present continuous. It also includes Spanish sentences for translation to demonstrate use of the present tenses in different contexts. The purpose is to help the reader understand when to use the present simple versus present continuous forms.

1. PRESENT SIMPLE OR PRESENT CONTINUOUS
1) Complete the sentences with the present simple or present continuous form of the verb in
brackets.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
We usually _______________ (have) lunch at two o’clock.
Listen! _______________ the phone _______________ (ring)?
I _______________ (sit) in the park today.
_______________ people _______________ (put) trees in their houses at Christmas?
My brother always _______________ (watch) tennis on TV.
My friend _______________ (not visit) me every day.
The boys _______________ (study) at the moment.
Bill _______________ (not play) outside now.
2) Underline the correct verb in each sentence (present simple or present continuous).
a) We learn / are learning grammar at the moment.
b) Helen is wearing / wears blue jeans and a T-shirt today.
c) I always stop / am stopping the car at a red light.
d) Tom and I watch / are watching a good film at the moment.
e) Dad washes / is washing the car now.
f) The gardener comes / is coming to our house every Saturday.
3) Translate into English.
a) Pedro está tocando la guitarra.
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b) Normalmente bebo té, pero ahora estoy bebiendo café.
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c) ¿Qué haces? Estoy leyendo el periódico.
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d) ¿Qué hacen Julio y Elena? Están viendo la televisión.
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e) ¿Qué hacen Julio y Elena? Son arquitectos.
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f) Me gusta esa canción. ¿Quién canta?
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