1In Johannesburg most people speak at least five languages.

➪ We use the present simple for permanent situations or things that are usually or often true.

2Languages are disappearing very fast. Half of world’s languages will disappear by 2100.

➪ We use the present continuous to talk about situations that are changing or developing.

3You can’t see Tim now; he has a bath.

Correct answer: ‘s having
➪ We use the present continuous for actions in progress now or ‘around now’.
➪ The verb have is a non-action verb only when it means ‘to own’ ‘to possess’. It is a dynamic or action verb with other meanings: have a nap, have a shower, have dinner, etc.

4Please keep quiet, I ‘m listening to the radio. You know I ‘m listening to the news in the mornings.

Correct answer: ‘m listening/listen
➪ We use present progressive for actions in progress now or ‘around now’ (I’m listening now).
➪ We use present simple for habits; for actions that we do (o we don’t do) regularly (I listen in the mornings).

5What time does the first train leave?

➪ We use the present simple to refer to future events which are timetabled.

6I never wear a scarf, but today I ‘m wearing one because it’s unusually cold.

➪ We use present simple for habits (I never wear).
➪ We use the present continuous for actions in progress now or ‘around now’ (today I’m wearing).

7I finished watching the series you recommended. Now I ‘m watching another one.

➪ We use the present progressive to talk about temporary actions or events that are going on ‘around now’ (maybe not at the moment of speaking, but these days, weeks, etc.). I’m not watching the series right now, as I am speaking, but I’m watching it these days.

8What do you do tonight? Would you like to come and watch the game?

Correct answer: are you doing
➪ We use the present continuous to talk or ask about future arrangements, i.e. future actions that are already planned or decided.

9Nobody thinks they will win the match.

➪ We use the present simple and not progressive with stative or non-action verbs.
➪ Think is a non-action verb when it means ‘believe’, ‘be someone’s opinion’.

10You look worried. What are you thinking?

➪ Think is a stative verb when it means ‘believe’, but it’s a dynamic verb when it refers to the mental process of thinking.

1. Andy sometimes read comics. (to read)
2. We never watch  TV in the morning. (to watch)
3. Listen! Sandy sling  in the bathroom. (to sing)
4. My sister usually  help in the kitchen. (to help)
5. My mother making  breakfast now. (to make)
6. They often  clean the bathroom. (to clean)
7. Look! The boys  come home. (to come)
8. Every day his grandfather go  for a walk. (to go)
9. I chat with my friend at the moment. (to chat)
10. Cats eat  mice. (to eat)