Present Continuous Exercises

These present continuous exercises in test format are suitable for the A1 Beginner level. In the explanation tab, we listed several present continuous tense examples, sentences, questions, and also some formulas, forms, and structures. In the worksheet tab, you can download these exercises as PDF or Word files for free.

Use of Present Continuous Tense

The Present Continuous tense is used to talk about actions that are happening right now or around this moment.

Example: She is reading a book.

Form and Structure

The Present Continuous tense is formed using:

  • Subject + am / is / are + verb + -ing

Grammar Table

Subject To Be Verb + -ing Example
I am eating I am eating.
You / We / They are playing You are playing.
He / She / It is working She is working.

When Do We Use Present Continuous?

  • Actions happening right now: He is watching TV.
  • Temporary actions: I am staying at my friend’s house this week.
  • Future arrangements: We are meeting at 6 PM.

Spelling Rules for -ing Verbs

  • If the verb ends in e, drop the e and add -ingmake → making
  • If the verb ends in ie, change ie to y and add -ingdie → dying
  • If the verb has one syllable, ends in a single vowel + consonant, double the consonant → run → running

Quick Tips about Present Continuous Tense

  • Always use am, is, or are before the verb + -ing.
  • Don’t forget to add -ing to the verb!
  • Use contractions in speaking: I’m reading, She’s cooking, They’re playing.
Exercises
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Choose the correct option to complete the Present Continuous Exercises below.
1

Look! The children _____ football in the garden.

a.
plays
b.
are playing
c.
play
2

Right now, Sarah _____ a book in her room.

a.
reads
b.
is reading
c.
read
3

They _____ to the airport now. They will catch a flight at 7 PM.

a.
drove
b.
are driving
c.
drive
4

Be quiet! The baby _____ .

a.
slept
b.
sleeps
c.
is sleeping
5

Why _____ you _____ so much?

a.
did / laugh
b.
are / laughing
c.
do / laugh
6

I can't talk now. I _____ dinner.

a.
have
b.
am having
c.
had
7

What _____ they _____ at the moment?

a.
do / do
b.
did / do
c.
are / doing
8

We _____ to school today because it’s Saturday.

a.
didn’t go
b.
aren’t going
c.
don’t go
9

Listen! The birds _____ beautifully outside.

a.
sing
b.
are singing
c.
sings
10

Look! The sun _____ .

a.
is shining
b.
shine
c.
shined
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