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

We _____ lunch at a new restaurant today.

a.
have
b.
are having
c.
had
2

My brother _____ in London this week.

a.
stayed
b.
stays
c.
is staying
3

She _____ her new dress now.

a.
is wearing
b.
wore
c.
wears
4

Why _____ they _____ ?

a.
are / shouting
b.
shouted
c.
do / shout
5

He _____ hard for his exam this week.

a.
studies
b.
studied
c.
is studying
6

At the moment, she _____ a picture.

a.
draw
b.
draws
c.
is drawing
7

Why _____ you _____ at me?

a.
do / look
b.
are / looking
c.
did / look
8

We _____ in a hotel for a few days.

a.
are staying
b.
stay
c.
stayed
9

Hurry up! The bus _____ !

a.
come
b.
is coming
c.
came
10

I can't find my keys. I think I _____ them at home.

a.
left
b.
am leaving
c.
leave
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