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Present Tense Vs Present Progressive – Quiz 1
Present Tense Vs Present Progressive Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of present tense versus present progressive tenses, including their usage in forming questions, describing habitual actions, and differentiating between ongoing and completed actions. It also tests the ability to identify correct verb forms for plurality and future planning.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Ivy and Bryan will go ..... tomorrow.
A) Tree climbing.
B) Climbing a tree.
C) Tree climb.
D) Climb a tree.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Ivy and Bryan will go tree climbing tomorrow" uses the simple future tense, which is appropriate for planned actions in the near future. The phrase "will go" indicates a future action that has been decided upon.
Option A) Tree climbing is correct because it uses the gerund form of the verb "to climb," which is suitable for describing an activity or action in the future.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the gerund form, appropriate for a planned future action.
Option B:
Incorrect. The infinitive "to climb" is not suitable here; it should be in gerund form.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option lacks proper verb conjugation and structure.
Option D:
Incorrect. The infinitive "to climb" is not appropriate for this context.
2.
Choose the right verb: ..... (Tim / work) at the moment?
A) Does Tim work.
B) Is Tim work.
C) Is Tim working.
D) Does Tim working.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Is Tim working.
This sentence uses the present progressive tense, which is used to describe an action that is happening now or at the time of speaking. The structure for this tense is "is/am/are + verb+ing". In this case, it would be "Is Tim working?".
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Uses the simple present tense which does not indicate an action happening now or at the time of speaking.
Option B:
Incorrect. The verb "work" is missing its -ing form, and "is Tim work" is grammatically incorrect.
Option C:
Correct. Uses the present progressive tense to indicate an action happening now or at the time of speaking.
Option D:
Incorrect. The verb "working" should not follow "Does".
3.
Brad sees Zoe ..... with Ava in the classroom
A) Talking.
B) Talks.
C) Talk.
D) To talk.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Brad sees Zoe ... with Ava in the classroom" requires a verb that describes an ongoing action at the moment of seeing, which is best expressed by the present progressive tense (verb + -ing). Therefore, "Talking" (Option A) is correct because it indicates that Zoe is currently engaged in conversation with Ava.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Present progressive tense ("talking") describes an action happening now.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Talks" is simple present tense, which does not indicate ongoing action at the moment of seeing.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Talk" lacks -ing and thus is neither progressive nor indicates an ongoing action.
Option D:
Incorrect. "To talk" is a infinitive form, which does not fit in this context.
4.
Justin is ..... a shower
A) Taking.
B) Take.
C) To take.
D) Takes.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Justin is ... a shower" indicates an ongoing action, which requires the present progressive tense (is + verb+ing). Option A ("Taking") correctly uses this form to describe that Justin is currently in the process of taking a shower.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses present progressive tense "is taking" to indicate an ongoing action.
Option B:
Incorrect. Does not use -ing form and thus does not match the required tense.
Option C:
Incorrect. Uses infinitive "to take," which is not appropriate for describing an ongoing action.
Option D:
Incorrect. Uses simple present tense, which does not indicate an ongoing action.
5.
Anita will go ..... with Zoe next Saturday.
A) Mountain climbing.
B) Mountain climb.
C) Climb a mountain.
D) Climbing a mountain.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Anita will go mountain climbing with Zoe next Saturday" uses the present tense of the verb "to climb," which is "climbing." This indicates a future action that has been planned and agreed upon by Anita. The phrase "mountain climbing" correctly combines the subject (Anita) with the planned activity in its full form, making it grammatically correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses present tense of 'to climb' as a noun.
Option B:
Incorrect. Missing the article "a" and uses gerund form without object.
Option C:
Incorrect. Uses infinitive form which is not appropriate here.
Option D:
Incorrect. Uses gerund form which is not appropriate here.
6.
Choose the right tense:Quiet please! I (write) ..... a test.
A) Write.
B) Are writing.
C) Writes.
D) Am writing.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Quiet please! I (write) ..... a test." requires the present progressive tense to indicate an action that is happening now and involves a sense of immediacy, which fits well with the context of someone taking a test right at this moment. The correct form for the first person singular in the present progressive is "am writing."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Write - Incorrect; it should be in the progressive tense.
Option B:
Are writing - Incorrect; this would imply a general ongoing action, not something happening now with immediate context.
Option C:
Writes - Incorrect; it is third person singular and does not fit the first person here.
Option D:
Am writing - Correct; it indicates an action in progress at this moment, fitting the context of taking a test now.
7.
Brendan ..... now
A) Swimming.
B) Swim.
C) To swim.
D) Swims.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Brendan swims now" uses the present simple tense, which is used to describe habitual actions or general truths. The correct answer D) Swims fits this context as it correctly uses the base form of the verb in its third-person singular form.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Swimming" suggests a present progressive tense, which is used for ongoing actions at the moment. This does not fit the given sentence structure.
Option B:
"Swim" without 's' would be incorrect as it doesn't indicate third-person singular form.
Option C:
"To swim" is an infinitive form and is used to express purpose or intention, not the current action. This does not fit the context of the sentence.
Option D:
"Swims" correctly uses the present simple tense in its third-person singular form, making it the right choice for describing Brendan's current action.
8.
..... we ..... (go) to have lunch now? Would you like to join us?
A) Is-going.
B) Are-goes.
C) Are-going.
D) Is-go.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "..... we ..... (go) to have lunch now? Would you like to join us?" is asking about a future action, which requires the present progressive tense ("are going") for questions expressing intention or plans.
Option C:
Are-going
is correct because it uses the present progressive form "are going" to indicate an upcoming action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Is-going. Incorrect; "is going" is not used for questions about future plans.
Option B:
Are-goes. Incorrect; "goes" does not match the subject-verb agreement in present progressive form.
Option C:
Are-going. Correct; uses proper present progressive tense for a question about future plans.
Option D:
Is-go. Incorrect; "is go" is grammatically incorrect and does not match the subject-verb agreement in present progressive form.
9.
Brad and Justin will go ..... with Ava tomorrow.
A) Ride a bike.
B) Riding a bike.
C) Bicycle ride.
D) Bicycle riding.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Brad and Justin will go ... with Ava tomorrow" requires a verb form that indicates an action they are planning to do together. The correct answer is
D) Bicycle riding.
This option uses the present participle form of the verb, which can be used as a gerund (a verb form functioning as a noun). It fits grammatically and semantically in the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Ride a bike" is an infinitive phrase and does not fit well with the context of planning an activity.
Option B:
"Riding a bike" is grammatically correct but sounds awkward in this sentence structure.
Option C:
"Bicycle ride" is a noun phrase and does not fit as well with the context of planning an activity.
Option D:
"Bicycle riding" uses the gerund form, which fits perfectly in this sentence structure to indicate the planned action.
10.
Choose the right verb:Susan always ..... to work by bus.
A) Was going.
B) Go.
C) Goes.
D) Is going.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Goes.
Susan always goes to work by bus indicates a habitual action in the present tense, which is formed with the subject (Susan) and the base form of the verb (go). This matches the sentence structure required.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Was going. - Incorrect; this implies an action in the past progressive tense.
Option B:
Go. - Incorrect; it lacks the subject "Susan" and is not a complete sentence.
Option C:
Goes. - Correct; it matches the present simple tense for habitual actions.
Option D:
Is going. - Incorrect; this implies an action in the present progressive tense.
11.
Janet and Joyce go .....
A) Dances.
B) Dance.
C) Of dance.
D) Dancing.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Janet and Joyce go ...." is describing an ongoing action, which requires the use of the present progressive tense (also known as present continuous). The correct form for this would be "Dancing," indicating that Janet and Joyce are currently in the process of dancing.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Dances - Incorrect. This is the simple present tense, which does not indicate an ongoing action.
Option B:
Dance - Incorrect. Same as above; it's in the simple present tense and doesn't show an ongoing action.
Option C:
Of dance - Incorrect. This is a prepositional phrase and does not form a verb tense.
Option D:
Dancing - Correct. This is the present progressive tense, indicating an action in progress.
12.
Choose the correct tense:Sue ..... (have) the flu, so she's out of office today.
A) Having.
B) Has.
C) Have.
D) Is having.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence describes an action that is happening at the present time and has a temporary nature, which is characteristic of the present progressive tense (is having). The other options do not fit the context:
- Option A ("Having") uses the gerund form, which does not indicate ongoing action.
- Option B ("Has") uses the simple present tense, which typically refers to habitual actions or general truths and does not convey the idea of something currently happening.
- Option C ("Have") is incorrect for the same reasons as option B.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Uses the gerund form.
Option B:
Incorrect. Simple present tense does not indicate ongoing action.
Option C:
Incorrect. Same as option B.
Option D:
Correct. Present progressive tense indicates an action happening now and is temporary.
13.
Kylie and Zoe ..... the cake
A) Are cutting.
B) Is cutting.
C) Cut.
D) Cuts.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Kylie and Zoe are cutting the cake" uses the present progressive tense, which is formed with "are/is/Am + verb+ing". This tense emphasizes an action that is happening at the moment or around now. In this case, it indicates that Kylie and Zoe are currently in the process of cutting the cake.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses present progressive tense indicating ongoing action.
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses simple present tense which does not indicate an ongoing action.
Option C:
Incorrect. Simple past tense, not relevant here.
Option D:
Incorrect. Simple present tense, not indicating an ongoing action.
14.
My father can't come to the phone now. He ..... (take) a shower right now.
A) Are taking.
B) Are taken.
C) Is taking.
D) Is take.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "My father can't come to the phone now. He is taking a shower right now." uses the present progressive tense ("is taking") to indicate an action that is happening at the moment of speaking, which fits the context of someone currently engaged in an activity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Are taking" is incorrect because it uses a plural form with "He," which doesn't match.
Option B:
"Are taken" is passive voice and does not fit the active action context.
Option C:
"Is taking" is correct as it properly conveys an ongoing action.
Option D:
"Is take" is grammatically incorrect; "take" should be part of a verb phrase with "is."
15.
My big brother and me ..... (work) as an accountant in a big company.
A) Work.
B) Works.
C) Working.
D) Worked.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "My big brother and me work as an accountant in a big company" uses the present tense to describe a current, ongoing action. The subject "my big brother and me" is plural, so the verb must also be in its plural form, which is "work."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the correct plural form of the present tense.
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses the singular form of the present tense, which does not match the subject's plurality.
Option C:
Incorrect. Indicates an action in progress, which is not appropriate for describing a current job role.
Option D:
Incorrect. Past tense does not fit the context of describing a current job situation.
16.
Choose the correct verb:Where ..... (they/live)?
A) They live.
B) Does they live.
C) Do they live.
D) Are they living.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct verb form is "Do they live." This sentence uses the present tense to ask about a habitual action or current situation, making option C the appropriate choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. It lacks the auxiliary verb needed for forming questions in the present tense.
Option B:
Incorrect. The use of "Does" is wrong for this sentence structure; it should be singular, not plural.
Option C:
Correct. Uses "Do" as the auxiliary verb to form a question about a habitual or current action.
Option D:
Incorrect. This option uses present progressive which is for actions happening at the moment of speaking and requires "are" before the subject.
17.
Joyce and Sinead will go ..... tomorrow.
A) Watch bird.
B) Watching bird.
C) Bird a watching.
D) Bird watching.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D) "Bird watching" is correct because it uses the present participle form of the verb "watch" to indicate an activity that Joyce and Sinead will be engaged in tomorrow, which aligns with the use of the simple present tense for future plans. This construction is appropriate for expressing a habitual or planned action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; it uses a gerund form that does not fit the context of a future plan.
Option B:
Incorrect; it incorrectly places "watching" and omits the subject "Joyce and Sinead."
Option C:
Incorrect; this option is grammatically incorrect and does not make sense in context.
Option D:
Correct; uses present participle for future plans.
18.
How about ..... a snowman with Carson in winter?
A) Making.
B) Makes.
C) To make.
D) Make.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "How about making a snowman with Carson in winter?" is asking for an activity to be suggested. The phrase "making" indicates an action that is currently happening or is being considered, which fits the context of suggesting an activity. In this case, "making" is used as the present progressive form, indicating an ongoing or habitual action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Present progressive tense ("Making") suggests an action that is in progress or being considered.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Makes" is the third-person singular present simple form, which does not fit the context of a suggestion for an ongoing activity.
Option C:
Incorrect. "To make" is the infinitive form and would be used in a different sentence structure, such as "Let's go to make a snowman."
Option D:
Incorrect. "Make" is the base form of the verb and does not indicate an ongoing action or suggestion.
19.
Choose the correct verb:The kids ..... (go) to Disney Land tomorrow.
A) Are going.
B) Going.
C) Goes.
D) Go.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The kids are going to Disney Land tomorrow" uses the present progressive tense, which is used to describe actions that are happening now or in the near future. In this case, "are going" indicates a planned action for the upcoming day.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses present progressive tense indicating a future plan.
Option B:
Incorrect. Missing 'are' and uses simple present tense, which is not suitable for describing a future action.
Option C:
Incorrect. Simple present tense does not indicate a future action.
Option D:
Incorrect. Simple present tense does not indicate a future action.
20.
Kylie and Anita go ..... in the park.
A) Jog.
B) Jogging.
C) Of jog.
D) Jogs.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Kylie and Anita go ... in the park" requires a verb that describes an ongoing action, which is best expressed using the present progressive tense (also known as present continuous). The correct form here is "jogging," indicating they are currently engaged in the act of jogging. Therefore, option B) Jogging is the appropriate choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; it should be a verb ending with -ing to match present progressive tense.
Option B:
Correct; "jogging" indicates an ongoing action in progress, suitable for the context of going jogging together.
Option C:
Incorrect; this option is not grammatically correct and does not fit the sentence structure.
Option D:
Incorrect; it should be a verb ending with -ing to match present progressive tense.
21.
Every Monday, Sally ..... (drive) her kids to football practice.
A) Drives.
B) Driving.
C) Are driving.
D) Drive.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Every Monday, Sally ..... (drive) her kids to football practice." is in the simple present tense and describes a habitual action. The correct form for this context is "drives," which matches Option A.
Option B ("Driving") is the present progressive form, indicating an ongoing or temporary action, which does not fit the context of a regular weekly activity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Simple present tense for habitual actions.
Option B:
Incorrect. Present progressive form (ongoing action).
Option C:
Incorrect. This option is not grammatically correct in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. Simple present tense should be used for habitual actions, not plural verb form.
22.
Choose the correct verb:The train usually ..... (leave) on time.
A) Leaves.
B) Leave.
C) Is leave.
D) Is leaving.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The train usually leaves on time" is in the simple present tense, which is used to describe habitual actions or general truths. The verb "leaves" correctly fits this context as it indicates a regular occurrence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Simple present tense is appropriate for habitual actions.
Option B:
Incorrect. No subject-verb agreement in the simple form "Leave."
Option C:
Incorrect. The passive voice "Is leave" does not fit the context of a habitual action.
Option D:
Incorrect. Present progressive tense indicates an ongoing or temporary action, which is not suitable here.
23.
Choose the correct tense:Gabriel looks lovely today. She ..... (wear) her new dress.
A) Wears.
B) Is wearing.
C) Am wearing.
D) Wear.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Gabriel looks lovely today. She is wearing her new dress." uses the present progressive tense ("is wearing") to describe an action that is happening now and can be observed. The present simple tense ("looks") correctly describes a general state or appearance.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Wears - Incorrect, as it does not indicate an ongoing action.
Option B:
Is wearing - Correct, as it indicates an action happening now and can be observed.
Option C:
Am wearing - Incorrect, as "am" is used for the first person singular subject ("I"), not third person singular subjects like "she."
Option D:
Wear - Incorrect, as it is a base form and does not indicate an ongoing action.
24.
I think this car ..... (cost) $ 49 dollars.
A) Costed.
B) Costs.
C) Costing.
D) Cost.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I think this car ..... (cost) $49 dollars." is in the simple present tense, which is used to describe a general truth or a habitual action. The correct form for the verb "to cost" in the simple present tense is "costs," making option B the right choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Costed" is the past simple form, which does not fit the context of a general statement.
Option B:
"Costs" is correct for the simple present tense.
Option C:
"Costing" is the present participle and would be used in progressive tenses, which are not appropriate here.
Option D:
"Cost" is the base form of the verb but needs to agree with the subject "this car," hence it should be "costs."
25.
Choose the correct tense:Ice ..... (melt) above 0 degrees.
A) Melts.
B) Melt.
C) Melting.
D) Is melting.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Ice ..... (melt) above 0 degrees." describes a general truth about ice, which is that it melts when the temperature rises above 0 degrees. This indicates a habitual or permanent state, making the present simple tense appropriate.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Melts" is in the present simple tense and fits the context of a general truth.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Melt" lacks the -s ending, which is necessary for third-person singular subjects in the present simple tense.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Melting" is the present continuous form and describes an ongoing action, not a general truth.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Is melting" also describes an ongoing action, which does not fit the context of a general rule about ice behavior.
26.
Choose the correct tense: ..... (your neighbours / be) noisy?-Yes, they always ..... (play) loud music late at night.
A) Are your neighbours being / playing.
B) Be your neighbours / play.
C) Are your neighbours / play.
D) Do your neighbours be / playing.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Are your neighbours / play.
This sentence uses the present simple tense for both clauses, which is appropriate to describe a habitual action (playing loud music late at night). The first clause "Are your neighbours play?" correctly uses the auxiliary verb "are" with the base form of the verb "play" in the second clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Be" is used incorrectly, and "playing" should be the base form "play."
Option B:
Incorrect. Both verbs are used improperly; "be" should be "are," and "play" should not have "being."
Option C:
Correct. Uses present simple tense for both clauses appropriately.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Do your neighbours be" is grammatically incorrect; the base form of the verb "play" should follow "are."
27.
I'm ..... (smile) to my friend right now.
A) To smile.
B) Smiled.
C) Smiling.
D) Smiles.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I'm ..... (smile) to my friend right now." requires the present progressive tense, which is formed with "am/is/are + verb + -ing". The correct form here is "Smiling", as it matches this structure and conveys an action happening at the moment.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
To smile. Incorrect; infinitive form does not fit the sentence structure.
Option B:
Smiled. Incorrect; past tense does not match the present context.
Option C:
Smiling. Correct; matches the present progressive tense and conveys an action happening now.
Option D:
Smiles. Incorrect; third-person singular form does not fit the first-person subject "I".
28.
Brad is ..... the stone away.
A) Moves.
B) To move.
C) Move.
D) Moving.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Brad is moving the stone away" uses the present progressive tense, which indicates an action that is ongoing at the time of speaking. The structure for this tense is "am/is/are + verb in -ing form." In this case, "is moving" correctly conveys Brad's current activity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Moves" uses simple present tense, which does not indicate an ongoing action.
Option B:
"To move" is a infinitive form and does not fit the sentence structure.
Option C:
"Move" lacks the auxiliary verb "is," making it simple present tense, which does not indicate an ongoing action.
Option D:
"Moving" correctly uses the present progressive form to show that Brad is currently in the process of moving the stone away.
29.
Choose the correct tense:Don't give Jen any cheese. She ..... (hate) it!
A) Hates.
B) Hate.
C) Are hating.
D) Is hating.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Don't give Jen any cheese. She ..... (hate) it!" uses the present tense to describe a general, habitual action or feeling. The correct form is "hates" because it refers to a current state or repeated behavior.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses present simple tense.
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses base form without auxiliary verb.
Option C:
Incorrect. Uses present continuous tense incorrectly.
Option D:
Incorrect. Uses present continuous tense incorrectly.
30.
Our father ..... (visit) my grandmother tonight.
A) Are visiting.
B) Visits.
C) Visited.
D) Visit.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Our father visits my grandmother tonight" uses the present tense, which is used to describe habitual actions or general truths. The action of visiting is a regular occurrence and not something that is happening at this moment specifically, making the simple present (visits) appropriate.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Are visiting" uses the present progressive tense, which describes an action in progress at the time of speaking. This does not fit because the sentence implies a habitual or general truth rather than an ongoing action.
Option B:
"Visits" is correct as it matches the simple present tense used for regular actions or habits.
Option C:
"Visited" uses the past tense, which describes completed actions in the past. This does not fit because the sentence refers to a current habit rather than something that happened before.
Option D:
"Visit" is missing the subject and verb agreement (our father), making it grammatically incorrect for this context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between present tense and present progressive tense?
The main difference lies in their usage: Present simple tense describes habitual actions or general truths, while present progressive tense indicates an action that is happening at the moment of speaking or over a period of time.
When should I use present simple tense instead of present progressive tense?
Present simple tense is used for habitual actions, general truths, and scheduled future events. It’s more appropriate when the focus is on a regular or permanent situation rather than an action happening now.
Can you use present progressive tense to describe something that happens regularly?
Yes, but it’s less common. Present simple is typically used for regular or habitual actions. However, using the present progressive can emphasize that an action is ongoing and may contrast with a temporary state.
How do I form the negative of present progressive tense?
To form the negative, add 'am not', 'isn't', or 'aren't' before the main verb. For example, "I am not eating" or "They aren’t playing." The structure is subject + auxiliary verb (am/is/are) + not + base verb + -ing.
What are some common mistakes when using present tense and present progressive tense?
Common mistakes include confusing the two tenses, especially in cases where both can be used. For instance, using 'am eating' instead of 'eat' for a general habit or using 'I am go to school' instead of 'I go to school.' It’s important to understand the context and intended meaning.