Present Simple and progressive Quiz | Grammar Tense MCQ [SET: 11]

Test your English grammar knowledge with these multiple choice quizzes on tenses (Present Simple and Present Continuous) for grades 8, 9 and 10. Additionally, these grammar quiz questions and answers are catered carefully making it compatible for any competitive exams. 

Take these online grammar assessment tests for free to review present simple and present continuous tense.

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Tense Grammar Quiz Questions

The following grammar quiz questions and answers are designed to help grammar learners of all levels. This quiz set will test your knowledge on present simple vs present progressive tense.




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Present Simple and Present Progressive Quiz




 

Present Simple Tense and Present Continuous Tense Quiz for grade 10

The following grammar assessment test has been designed for class 10 English grammar students to test their understanding of present simple tense and present continuous tense. With grammar questions and answers, you can measure your understanding of English grammar. So, let’s begin the test.

Dad ____ us to school every morning. (drive)
drives
drive
is driving
drove
✅ Notice the use of EVERY MORNING. Every+…… expresses FREQUENCY. So, PRESENT SIMPLE tense is used i.e. V1/V5
Max _____ at an Internet café this summer. (work)
is working
works
worked
will work
✅ Notice the use of THIS SUMMER. THIS SUMMER expresses PRESENT TEMPORARY ACTION. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS tense is used i.e. is/am/are+V4
We _____ abroad this year because of the pandemic. (not go)
are not going
do not go
did not go
have not gone
✅ Notice the use of THIS YEAR. THIS YEAR expresses PRESENT TEMPORARY ACTION. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS tense is used i.e. is/am/are+V4
It never _____ in the Atacama Desert in Chile. (rain)
rains
rain
is raining
has rained
✅ Notice the use of NEVER in the sentence. NEVER expresses PERMANENT ACTION which is ALWAYS TRUE. It is stating a GENERAL TRUTH OR A FACT that is considered to be always true. So, SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE is used i.e. V1/V5
Marty _____ to the fitness centre on Mondays. (not usually go)
does not usually go
is not usually going
did not usually go
do not usually go
✅ Notice the use of USUALLY in the sentence. In the sentence USUALLY expresses a HABITUAL or REGULAR ACTION. So, SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE is used i.e. V1/V5
What is that? – I _____ sounds that are not there. (hear)
am hearing
hear
heard
Have heard
✅ Notice the use of WHAT IS THAT in the sentence. The sentence describes a TEMPORARY, CURRENT ACTION IN PROGRESS in the PRESENT MOMENT. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE is used i.e. is/am/are+V4
We _____ of leaving Britain next year. We might go to America. (think)
are thinking
think
thought
will think
✅ The sentence expresses a CURRENT, ONGOING THOUGHT OR CONSIDERATION. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE is used i.e. is/am/are+V4
I _____ my ex-husband next Monday. (see)
am seeing
see
will see
have seen
✅ Notice the use of NEXT MONDAY in the sentence. The sentence describes an action that is PLANNED or SCHEDULED to occur in the NEAR FUTURE and emphasizes the DEFINITE ARRANGEMENT. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE is used i.e. is/am/are+V4
This box _____ a lot. What is in it? (weigh)
weighs
weigh
is weighing
weighed
✅ The sentence states a FACT about the weight of the box. It indicates the current, GENERAL STATE of the box's weight. So PRESENT SIMPLE tense is used i.e. V1/V5
What _____ under the table? – Is there anything wrong? (you do)
are you doing
do you do
did you do
have you done
✅ The sentence describes an ACTION THAT IS HAPPENING AT THE VERY MOMENT OF SPEAKING. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS is used i.e. is/am/are+V4.

Present Simple Tense and Present Continuous Tense Quiz for grade 9

These tenses quiz fill in the blanks and multiple choice questions will test class 9 students on present continuous and  present simple tense. Let’s get started.

She never _____ to anyone about her problems. (talk)
talks
talk
talked
is talking
✅ Notice the use of NEVER in the sentence. This sentence conveys the HABITUAL BEHAVIOR of the person. So, PRESENT SIMPLE is used i.e. V1/V5.
Mary _____ very sad. What's happened to her? (look)
looks
look
is looking
has looked
✅ The sentence describes a CURRENT STATE OR CONDITION. So, SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE is used i.e. V1/V5
They _____ a few days in Stockholm next month. (spend)
are spending
spend
will spend
has spent
✅ Notice the use of NEXT MONTH in the sentence. NEXT MONTH indicates a PLANNED FUTURE ARRANGEMENT OR EVENT. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE is used i.e. is/am/are+V4
You can't go in. They're having a meeting. (have)
are having
have
will have
had
✅ Notice the use of PRESENT ONGOING SITUATION indicating with the phrase YOU CAN'T GO IN. It describes an ONGOING ACTION OR SITUATION at the PRESENT MOMENT. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE is used i.e. is/am/are+V4
I _____ I'll have a cup of coffee. I'm so tired. (think)
think
thinks
am thinking
thought
✅ The sentence expresses a GENERAL STATEMENT about the speaker's PREFERENCE. So, PRESENT SIMPLE tense is used i.e. V1/V5
_____ fishing with me on Sunday? – I don't know. I'll think about it. (you go)
are you going
do you go
will you go
have you gone
✅ Notice the use of SUNDAY in the sentence. It expresses a FUTURE PLAN OR INTENTION. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE is used i.e. is/am/are+V4
I _____ here as a waiter on weekends. (work)
work
works
am working
worked
✅ Notice the use of WEEKENDS in the sentence. It expresses a REGULAR AND REPEATED ACTION. So, PRESENT SIMPLE tense is used i.e. V1/V5
Max _____ to be a nice student. Let's see how he _____ in class. (appear, he do)
appears, does
appear, do
appeared, did
is appearing, is doing
✅ The both sentences express HABITUAL TRAITS. So, PRESENT SIMPLE tense is used i.e. V1/V5
I _____ what this letter means. It _____ no sense. (not understand, make)
don't understand, makes
does not understand, make
didn’t understand, made
didn’t understand, is making
✅ The sentence expresses a GENERAL STATE. So, PRESENT SIMPLE tense is used i.e. V1/V5
I _____ the dog for a walk because it's so sunny outside. (take)
am taking
take
took
was taking
✅ Notice the use of IT'S SO SUNNY OUTSIDE. It indicates that the ACTION IS HAPPENING AT THE PRESENT MOMENT. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE is used i.e. is/am/are+V4

Present Simple Tense and Present Continuous Tense Quiz for grade 8

This English grammar test covers the basics of tenses that 8th graders should know. It includes fill in the blank, multiple choice questions with answers to assess knowledge of tenses particularly of  present simple tense and present continuous tense.

_____at night? (you ever dream)
do you ever dream
did you ever dream
have you ever dreamt
were you ever dreaming
✅ The sentence expresses an inquiry about a GENERAL and RECURRING activity (dreaming at night), which is not tied to a specific instance. The sentence is about a COMMON and HABITUAL OCCURRENCE. So, PRESENT SIMPLE tense is used i.e. V1/V5
I _____ on you to help me organize the meeting. (count)
am counting
was counting
count
counted
✅ The sentence expresses an ONGOING OR TEMPORARY SITUATION, emphasizing the CURRENT reliance and expectation. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE is used i.e. is/am/are+V4
My sister _____ a video conference in her company next week. (hold)
is holding
was holding
hold
held
✅ Notice the use of NEXT WEEK in the sentence. It indicates a PLANNED, FUTURE EVENT that has already been ARRANGED. It emphasizes a TEMPORARY ACTION. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE is used i.e. is/am/are+V4
Why _____ to what he has to say. (you not ever listen)
don't you ever listen
didn't you ever listen
doesn’t you ever listened
won't you ever listen
✅ This sentence expresses a HABITUAL or RECURRING BEHAVIOR (not listening). The sentence expresses a CHARACTERISTIC TRAIT of a person. So, PRESENT SIMPLE tense is used i.e. V1/V5
I _____ meat. I'm a vegetarian. (not eat)
don't eat
am not eating
didn't eat
doesn’t eat
✅ This sentence states a LONG-STANDING and HABITUAL dietary PREFERENCE or PRACTICE (not eating meat). It indicates a GENERAL LIFESTYLE CHOICE. So, PRESENT SIMPLE tense is used i.e. V1/V5

When to use Present Simple Tense (Image Illustration) 

Present simple tense is used to show:

👉 present affairs

👉 habitual actions

👉 fixed time table

👉 truths and facts.

when to use Present Simple Tense

When to use Present Continuous Tense (Image Illustration) 

Present continuous tense is used to show:

👉 activities happening now

👉 present moment

👉 future plans

👉 gradual change

where to use Present Continuous Tense

Tense Question, Answer and Explanation

Check out the following present simple and present continuous tense question, answer and explanation in detail.

Question: Dad ____ us to school every morning. (drive)

Answer: Dad drives us to school every morning. 

Explanation: Notice the use of EVERY MORNING. Every+…… expresses FREQUENCY. So, PRESENT SIMPLE tense is used i.e. V1/V5

 

Question: Max _____  at an Internet café this summer. (work)

Answer: Max is working at an Internet café this summer. 

Explanation: Notice the use of THIS SUMMER. THIS SUMMER expresses PRESENT TEMPORARY ACTION. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS tense is used i.e. is/am/are+V4.

 

Question: We _____  abroad this year because of the pandemic. (not go)

Answer: We are not going abroad this year because of the pandemic. (not go)

Explanation: The action is happening at the moment of speaking. So, it’s a temporary action. Thus, present continuous tense is used i.e. is/am/are+V4

 

Question: It never _____  in the Atacama Desert in Chile. (rain)

Answer: It never rains in the Atacama Desert in Chile. 

Explanation: Notice the use of NEVER in the sentence. NEVER expresses PERMANENT ACTION which is ALWAYS TRUE. It is stating a GENERAL TRUTH OR A FACT that is considered to be always true.  So, SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE in used i.e. V1/V5.

 

Question: Marty _____ to the fitness centre on Mondays. (not usually go)

Answer: Marty does not usually go to the fitness centre on Mondays. 

Explanation: Notice the use of USUALLY in the sentence. In the sentence USUALLY expresses a HABITUAL or REGULAR ACTION. So, SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE in used i.e. V1/V5.

 

Question: What is that? – I _____ sounds that are not there. (hear)

Answer: What is that? – I am hearing sounds that are not there. 

Explanation: Notice the use of WHAT IS THAT in the sentence. The sentence describes a TEMPORARY, CURRENT ACTION IN PROGRESS in the PRESENT MOMENT. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE is used i.e. is/am/are+V4

 

Question: We _____ of leaving Britain next year. We might go to America. (think)

Answer: We are thinking of leaving Britain next year. We might go to America.

Explanation: The sentence expresses a CURRENT, ONGOING THOUGHT OR CONSIDERATION. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE is used.

 

Question: I _____ my ex-husband next Monday. (see)

Answer: I am seeing my ex-husband next Monday. 

Explanation: Notice the use of NEXT MONDAY in the sentence. The sentence describes an action that is PLANNED or SCHEDULED to occur in the NEAR FUTURE and emphasizes the DEFINITE ARRANGEMENT. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE is used i.e. is/am/are+V4

 

Question: This box _____ a lot. What is in it? (weigh)

Answer: This box weighs a lot. What is in it?

Explanation: The sentence states a FACT about the weight of the box. It indicates the current, GENERAL STATE of the box's weight. So PRESENT SIMPLE tense is used i.e. V1/V5

 

Question: What _____ under the table? – Is there anything wrong? (you do)

Answer: What are you doing under the table? – Is there anything wrong? 

Explanation: The sentence describes an ACTION THAT IS HAPPENING AT THE VERY MOMENT OF SPEAKING. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS is used i.e. is/am/are+V4.

 

Question: She never _____ to anyone about her problems. (talk)

Answer: She never talks to anyone about her problems.

Explanation: Notice the use of NEVER in the sentence. This sentence conveys the HABITUAL BEHAVIOR of the person. So, PRESENT SIMPLE is used i.e. V1/V5.

 

Question: Mary _____ very sad. What's happened to her? (look)

Answer: Mary looks very sad. What's happened to her? 

Explanation: The sentence describes a CURRENT STATE OR CONDITION. So, SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE is used i.e. V1/V5

 

Question: They _____ a few days in Stockholm next month. (spend)

Answer: They are spending a few days in Stockholm next month. 

Explanation: Notice the use of NEXT MONTH in the sentence. NEXT MONTH indicates a PLANNED FUTURE ARRANGEMENT OR EVENT. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE is used i.e. is/am/are+V4.

 

Question: You can't go in. They _____ a meeting. (have)

Answer: You can't go in. They are having a meeting. 

Explanation: Notice the use of PRESENT ONGOING SITUATION indicating with the phrase YOU CAN'T GO IN. It describes an ONGOING ACTION OR SITUATION at the PRESENT MOMENT. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE is used i.e. is/am/are+V4.

 

Question: I _____ I'll have a cup of coffee. I'm so tired. (think)

Answer: I think I'll have a cup of coffee. I'm so tired. 

Explanation: The sentence expresses a GENERAL STATEMENT about the speaker's PREFERENCE. So, PRESENT SIMPLE tense is used i.e. V1/V5.

 

Question: _____ fishing with me on Sunday? – I don't know. I'll think about it. (you go)

Answer: Are you going fishing with me on Sunday? – I don't know. I'll think about it.

Explanation: Notice the use of SUNDAY in the sentence. It expresses a FUTURE PLAN OR INTENTION. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE is used i.e. is/am/are+V4.


Question: I _____ here as a waiter on weekends. (work)

Answer: I work here as a waiter on weekends.

Explanation: Notice the use of WEEKENDS in the sentence. It expresses a REGULAR AND REPEATED ACTION. So, PRESENT SIMPLE tense is used i.e. V1/V5

 

Question: Max _____ to be a nice student. Let's see how he _____ in class. (appear, he do)

Answer: Max appears to be a nice student. Let's see how he does in class. 

Explanation: The both sentences express HABITUAL TRAITS. So, PRESENT SIMPLE tense is used i.e. V1/V5.


Question: I _____ what this letter means. It _____ no sense. (not understand, make)

Answer: I don't understand what this letter means. It makes no sense.

Explanation: The sentence expresses a GENERAL STATE. So, PRESENT SIMPLE tense is used i.e. V1/V5.

 

Question: I _____ the dog for a walk because it's so sunny outside. (take)

Answer: I am taking the dog for a walk because it's so sunny outside.

Explanation: Notice the use of IT'S SO SUNNY OUTSIDE. It indicates that the ACTION IS HAPPENING AT THE PRESENT MOMENT. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE is used i.e. is/am/are+V4.


Question: _____at night? (you ever dream)

Answer: Do you ever dream at night? 

Explanation: The sentence expresses an inquiry about a GENERAL and RECURRING activity (dreaming at night), which is not tied to a specific instance. The sentence is about a COMMON and HABITUAL OCCURRENCE. So, PRESENT SIMPLE tense is used i.e. V1/V5.

 

Question: I _____ on you to help me organize the meeting. (count)

Answer: I am counting on you to help me organize the meeting. 

Explanation: The sentence expresses an ONGOING OR TEMPORARY SITUATION, emphasizing the CURRENT reliance and expectation. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE is used i.e. is/am/are+V4.


Question: My sister _____ a video conference in her company next week. (hold)

Answer: My sister is holding a video conference in her company next week.

Explanation: Notice the use of NEXT WEEK in the sentence. It indicates a PLANNED, FUTURE EVENT that has already been ARRANGED. It emphasizes a TEMPORARY ACTION. So, PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE is used i.e. is/am/are+V4.

 

Question: Why _____ to what he has to say. (you not ever listen)

Answer: Why

 don't you ever listen to what he has to say. 

Explanation: This sentence expresses a HABITUAL or RECURRING BEHAVIOR (not listening). The sentence expresses a CHARACTERISTIC TRAIT of a person. So, PRESENT SIMPLE tense is used i.e. V1/V5.


Question: I _____ meat. I'm a vegetarian. (not eat)

Answer: I don't eat meat. I'm a vegetarian.

Explanation: This sentence states a LONG-STANDING and HABITUAL dietary PREFERENCE or PRACTICE (not eating meat). It indicates a GENERAL LIFESTYLE CHOICE. So, PRESENT SIMPLE tense is used i.e. V1/V5.

Tense Question, Answer and Explanation (PDF)

If you want to get the pdf version of the tense questions, answers and explanations, you can get it here.

Faq (Present simple and present progressive)

What is the difference between present continuous and present simple?

Present continuous is usually used to show temporary action where as present simple is used to show permanent action.


What is the present simple and present continuous sentence?

''She works at the office'' is a simple sentence and ''she is working on a project right now'' is a present continuous sentence.


When to use present continuous?

Present continuous tense is basically used to show things that are happening now, future plans and arrangements, and gradual change


When to use present simple?

Present simple tense is basically used to show present affairs, permanent or long-lasting situations, and habitual actions.

Great! Did you enjoy the grammar quiz?  Our Tense Grammar Quizzes cater to various grade levels, providing an enriching experience for learners of all ages. 

Learn English grammar with confidence, and let our quizzes guide you towards proficiency. Enhance your grammar skills effortlessly with our user-friendly, free online grammar tests. Check the following grammar questions and answers too for better understanding. Happy learning!

What is the present simple tense?
We use the simple present tense to show the fact which is universal and/or regular action.
What is the present simple tense for kids?
Simple present tense describes a constant or repeating action that is always true. For example, the sun rises from the east.
What is present tense simple formula?
The Simple Present Tense formula is: Subject + V1/V5 + Object.
What are the examples of simple present tense?
I eat breakfast every morning. Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius. She works at the library. The sun rises from the east.
What is present simple tense?
We use the simple present tense to show the fact which is universal and/or regular action.
What is the present continuous tense and example?
Present continuous tense denotes actions/events that are in progress while we speak about them. These actions are to be completed in the future.
Example: I am currently studying for my exams.
What is the structure of present continuous tense?
The structure of present continuous tense is: Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing + objects/complements.
What are the present continuous tense rules?
The present continuous tense, also known as the present progressive tense, is formed by using the present tense of the auxiliary verb "to be" (am/are/is) and adding the present participle (base verb + -ing) of the main verb.
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