Beginner Grammar
Start from the very beginning. Clear notes, then 40+ interactive exercises with instant feedback – based on the topics in Basic Grammar in Use. Perfect for absolute beginners (A1–A2).
Present Continuous or Simple Present?“I am doing / I do” – 44 interactive questions
📖 Grammar Reference – Present Continuous or Simple Present?
Study the notes, then work through the six exercises.
1 Tier 1 – The Concept & Nuance: In Progress vs General Routine
Compare the two aspects: Present Continuous is for temporary actions in progress right now; Present Simple is for permanent states, habits, and repeated routines.
– “You can turn off the radio. I am not listening to it.”
– “I listen to the radio every morning.”
2 Tier 2 – Non-Continuous (Stative) Verbs
Verbs of emotion, thought, and possession are normally used only in the simple form:
– like · love · hate · want · need · know · understand · remember · mean · belong
– “I want to go home.” (NOT I am wanting).
– “Do you know that man?” (NOT Are you knowing).
3 Tier 3 – Top 3 Common Learner Pitfalls
– Rule: Want is a stative verb and is never used in continuous tenses.
– Rule: Actions happening visibly right now require the present continuous.
– Rule: Permanent living situations take the present simple.
Made with care for English learners · allenglish4u.com
Original practice material inspired by the Basic Grammar in Use syllabus (Cambridge University Press). Example sentences and exercises are written by All English 4U.