ALL ENGLISH 4U · B2 GRAMMAR · UNIT 1
100% Original Practice TestPresent Timepresent simple · present continuous · present perfect simple · present perfect continuous · stative verbs
The Neighbourhood Sound Archive · 96 questions · Exercises A–J
Grammar Reference — Present Time
Choose the tense by meaning and context. Study the guide, then practise with original situations from a neighbourhood sound archive.
How to Form It
Compare positive, negative and question forms. Check the subject and every auxiliary.
Present simple
Habits, schedules, facts and many state meanings.
- Positive
- subject + base verb; he/she/it + -s. The archive stores each file.
- Negative
- subject + do/does not + base verb. The team does not publish private voices.
- Question
- Do/Does + subject + base verb? Does Omar check the microphone?
After does or doesn’t, keep the main verb in its base form.
Present continuous
Actions in progress, temporary situations and confirmed arrangements.
- Positive
- subject + am/is/are + -ing. We are testing the listening route.
- Negative
- subject + am not/isn’t/aren’t + -ing. They aren’t using the main hall today.
- Question
- Am/Is/Are + subject + -ing? Are you meeting the curator at six?
Use a form of be before the -ing verb and check its subject.
Present perfect simple
Past events connected to now, especially results, experiences and completed amounts.
- Positive
- subject + have/has + past participle. We have chosen the opening track.
- Negative
- subject + haven’t/hasn’t + past participle. Omar hasn’t heard the final mix.
- Question
- Have/Has + subject + past participle? Have they finished the transcript?
Use the past participle, not the past form when they differ.
Present perfect continuous
An activity or change continuing up to now, or recent evidence of it.
- Positive
- subject + have/has been + -ing. Leah has been editing all afternoon.
- Negative
- subject + haven’t/hasn’t been + -ing. I haven’t been sleeping well this week.
- Question
- Have/Has + subject + been + -ing? How long have they been waiting?
For introduces duration; since introduces a starting point.
Clue Words & Patterns
Read the whole situation: a clue supports your interpretation but does not dictate the form.
Routine or state
The archive opens at ten every Saturday.
A regular schedule takes the present simple.Temporary or in progress
This month, we are opening a second listening room.
A new development is in progress during the current month.Completed result or experience
We have chosen six clips so far.
The finished choice is the relevant result.Duration up to now
Leah has been editing since breakfast.
The ongoing activity and duration are foregrounded.Same project, different focus
The team has recorded 240 voices this year.
The finished number matters.The team has been recording since spring.
The continuing activity and duration matter.I think the echo belongs in the final mix.
Think means hold an opinion.I am thinking about a quieter opening.
Think means consider an idea.Extra uses of the continuous
You are always moving the microphone stand! The continuous adds irritation; “You always move it” is a neutral routine.
The exhibition is attracting more evening visitors this month. The number is changing over a temporary period.
Watch Out & Common Mistakes
Check the verb meaning, the time link and each auxiliary.
Know, believe, belong and prefer often take simple forms for knowledge, opinion, possession or preference. Some verbs have action meanings too: “The tea tastes sweet” describes flavour, while “Mina is tasting the tea” describes an action. Avoid blanket rules.
One verb, two meanings
Missing -s
WrongThe archive store every original.
BetterThe archive stores every original.
A singular subject takes -s in the present simple.Continuous with a state
WrongI am believing the recording is genuine.
BetterI believe the recording is genuine.
Believe expresses an opinion here.Missing have/has
WrongThey collected four hundred clips so far.
BetterThey have collected four hundred clips so far.
The completed total connects with now.Since or for?
WrongWe have worked here since six months.
BetterWe have worked here for six months.
For gives a duration; since gives a starting point.Dropping been
WrongShe has editing the interview all morning.
BetterShe has been editing the interview all morning.
The continuous needs have/has been plus -ing.Active result, not a passive form
WrongWe have been interviewed twelve residents.
BetterWe have interviewed twelve residents.
The team performed the interviews. Have interviewed is active; have been interviewed would describe the team receiving interviews.Quick self-check
We have worked / have been working on the route since May. Can both forms be natural?Answer and reason
Yes. Have worked presents work during the period; have been working emphasises its continuing duration. Context can allow both. Do not assume since automatically requires the continuous.
Why does “The recording sounds distant” use sounds?Answer and reason
Sounds describes a quality. “The bell is sounding” can describe an action happening now.
We ___ the final three clips so far. Which form fits the completed result?Answer and reason
have selected: so far and the completed number highlight the result up to now.
Check your whole test
Submit to grade your whole test, OR use 👁 Show Answer per part / per question.
Review your learning
For each correction, identify a routine, a current activity, a completed result or an activity continuing up to now. Check whether the verb describes a state or an action in this context.
Show Answer displays a model and explanation without changing your answer or awarding credit. After editing an answer, check again. Write a new example of your own for each pattern.