Verbs Test 2

Verbs Exercise 2

Present continuous / present simple contrasted

We use the present continuous for an action that is happening around the time of speaking, and is not finished. We use the present simple for thinks that happen repeatedly or are always true.

eg The water is boiling so turn it down. Water boils at 100 degrees.

These forms are frequently used in association with adverbs which also indicate the time reference.

**Present continuous**
eg		It's raining very heavily just now so we'd better wait ( = right at this moment)
		I'm writing a paper on lexicography ( = I haven't finished it yet)

**Present simple**
eg		It rains a lot during the monsoon season ( = repeated event)
		I always go for a walk on Sunday mornings ( = repeated action)

The table below shows this contrast:

past

now

future

|-------|-------|

I am doing my homework ( = now).

|---------------|

I do my homework every evening.

Now fill in the simple or the progressive form of the verb in the blanks.

Your Name:

l. Water (consist) of hydrogen and oxygen.

2. I (write) this exercise on my computer.

3. My daughter (learn) to play the piano.

4. The tallest Buddha in Asia (stand) at the top of that hill.

5. Mr Jones always (take) his dog for a walk before breakfast.

6. Simon (play) the piano brilliantly.

7. I haven't seen you for ages. Where you (live) now?

8. The distance between the two runners (increase) all the time.

9. (Mobile phone) Where are you now?
I (wait) for you in the hotel lobby.

10. The United States (share) a border with Canada.

11. I usually (cross) the harbour by ferry, but I (take) the MTR when the weather (be) bad.

12. Her French (improve) now but she needs to study harder.

13. I normally (work) at the Polytechnic but this week I

(teaching) some tutorial classes at the Open University.

14. We (advise) you to resign.

l5. The Nile (flow) into the Mediterranean.