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๐ Content updated on 21 April 2026
⏰ Present Tense – All Types – Quick Summary:
Present tense shows actions happening now, habits, or truths. The four types are: Simple Present (I play), Present Continuous (I am playing), Present Perfect (I have played), and Present Perfect Continuous (I have been playing).
๐ง๐ซ Instructions for Teachers & Students: Read each sentence and identify the type of present tense used. Then click “Show Answer” to see the correct tense name, a clear explanation, and a fresh example.
๐ง๐ซ Instructions for Teachers & Students: Read each sentence and identify the type of present tense used. Then click “Show Answer” to see the correct tense name, a clear explanation, and a fresh example.
In this worksheet:
(Click any topic to jump straight to that section)
Present tense forms are the foundation of everyday English. For a broader view of tenses, visit the
Verbs and Tenses hub.
And when you're comfortable here, the
Past Tense worksheet
will show you how actions shift into yesterday.
✅ Solved Examples (20 Questions with Answers)
Let's explore the four present tenses together. Study each example carefully.
Solved Q.1
"She reads a book every night." Which present tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Simple Present
Explanation: 'Reads' shows a habitual action (every night). Simple present uses base verb (+s/es for third person singular).
Example: He plays cricket on Sundays.
Explanation: 'Reads' shows a habitual action (every night). Simple present uses base verb (+s/es for third person singular).
Example: He plays cricket on Sundays.
Solved Q.2
"They are playing football now." Which tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Continuous
Explanation: 'Are playing' uses am/is/are + verb-ing. It shows an action happening right now.
Example: I am reading an interesting story.
Explanation: 'Are playing' uses am/is/are + verb-ing. It shows an action happening right now.
Example: I am reading an interesting story.
Solved Q.3
"We have finished our homework." Which tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Perfect
Explanation: 'Have finished' uses has/have + past participle. It connects a past action to the present moment.
Example: She has eaten her lunch.
Explanation: 'Have finished' uses has/have + past participle. It connects a past action to the present moment.
Example: She has eaten her lunch.
Solved Q.4
"He has been working here since 2020." Which tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Perfect Continuous
Explanation: 'Has been working' uses has/have + been + verb-ing. It shows an action that started in the past and is still continuing.
Example: They have been waiting for an hour.
Explanation: 'Has been working' uses has/have + been + verb-ing. It shows an action that started in the past and is still continuing.
Example: They have been waiting for an hour.
Solved Q.5
"The sun rises in the east." Which tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Simple Present
Explanation: 'Rises' states a universal truth or fact. Simple present is used for things that are always true.
Example: Water boils at 100 degrees.
Explanation: 'Rises' states a universal truth or fact. Simple present is used for things that are always true.
Example: Water boils at 100 degrees.
Solved Q.6
"Look! The baby is walking!" Which tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Continuous
Explanation: 'Is walking' describes an action in progress at the moment of speaking. 'Look!' signals immediacy.
Example: Listen! Someone is singing.
Explanation: 'Is walking' describes an action in progress at the moment of speaking. 'Look!' signals immediacy.
Example: Listen! Someone is singing.
Solved Q.7
"I have never seen such a beautiful sunset." Which tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Perfect
Explanation: 'Have seen' with 'never' describes an experience up to now. Present perfect often uses 'ever', 'never', 'just', 'already'.
Example: She has visited Paris twice.
Explanation: 'Have seen' with 'never' describes an experience up to now. Present perfect often uses 'ever', 'never', 'just', 'already'.
Example: She has visited Paris twice.
Solved Q.8
"It has been raining all morning." Which tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Perfect Continuous
Explanation: 'Has been raining' emphasises the duration of an action that started earlier and is still going on.
Example: We have been studying for three hours.
Explanation: 'Has been raining' emphasises the duration of an action that started earlier and is still going on.
Example: We have been studying for three hours.
Solved Q.9
"My father works in a bank." Which tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Simple Present
Explanation: 'Works' describes a permanent situation or regular job. Simple present for facts and routines.
Example: She teaches at the local school.
Explanation: 'Works' describes a permanent situation or regular job. Simple present for facts and routines.
Example: She teaches at the local school.
Solved Q.10
"I am thinking about the answer." Which tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Continuous
Explanation: 'Am thinking' shows a mental activity happening right now. Some verbs like 'think', 'know' are not usually continuous, but 'think' meaning 'consider' can be.
Example: She is considering the offer.
Explanation: 'Am thinking' shows a mental activity happening right now. Some verbs like 'think', 'know' are not usually continuous, but 'think' meaning 'consider' can be.
Example: She is considering the offer.
Solved Q.11
"They have already left the party." Which tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Perfect
Explanation: 'Have left' with 'already' indicates a completed action with present relevance. They are not here now.
Example: He has just finished his work.
Explanation: 'Have left' with 'already' indicates a completed action with present relevance. They are not here now.
Example: He has just finished his work.
Solved Q.12
"How long have you been learning English?" Which tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Perfect Continuous
Explanation: 'Have been learning' asks about duration of an ongoing action. Perfect continuous emphasises length of time.
Example: She has been working here since January.
Explanation: 'Have been learning' asks about duration of an ongoing action. Perfect continuous emphasises length of time.
Example: She has been working here since January.
Solved Q.13
"The train arrives at 6 pm." Which tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Simple Present
Explanation: 'Arrives' is used for a scheduled future event (timetables). Simple present can express fixed future arrangements.
Example: The movie starts at 7 o'clock.
Explanation: 'Arrives' is used for a scheduled future event (timetables). Simple present can express fixed future arrangements.
Example: The movie starts at 7 o'clock.
Solved Q.14
"She is always complaining about the weather." Which tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Continuous
Explanation: 'Is complaining' with 'always' expresses irritation about a repeated habit. Continuous adds emotion.
Example: He is constantly losing his keys.
Explanation: 'Is complaining' with 'always' expresses irritation about a repeated habit. Continuous adds emotion.
Example: He is constantly losing his keys.
Solved Q.15
"I have known her since childhood." Which tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Perfect
Explanation: 'Have known' with 'since' shows a state that began in the past and continues. Non-action verbs like 'know' use perfect, not continuous.
Example: We have been friends for years.
Explanation: 'Have known' with 'since' shows a state that began in the past and continues. Non-action verbs like 'know' use perfect, not continuous.
Example: We have been friends for years.
Solved Q.16
"Your eyes are red. Have you been crying?" Which tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Perfect Continuous
Explanation: 'Have been crying' suggests recent activity with visible present result (red eyes).
Example: The ground is wet. It has been raining.
Explanation: 'Have been crying' suggests recent activity with visible present result (red eyes).
Example: The ground is wet. It has been raining.
Solved Q.17
"I understand the problem now." Which tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Simple Present
Explanation: 'Understand' is a stative verb; it describes a mental state, not an action. Simple present used for states.
Example: She knows the answer.
Explanation: 'Understand' is a stative verb; it describes a mental state, not an action. Simple present used for states.
Example: She knows the answer.
Solved Q.18
"We are meeting the principal tomorrow." Which tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Continuous
Explanation: 'Are meeting' is used for a planned future arrangement. Present continuous for fixed plans.
Example: She is leaving for Delhi tonight.
Explanation: 'Are meeting' is used for a planned future arrangement. Present continuous for fixed plans.
Example: She is leaving for Delhi tonight.
Solved Q.19
"This is the first time I have eaten sushi." Which tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Perfect
Explanation: 'Have eaten' follows 'This is the first time'. Present perfect for experiences up to now.
Example: It's the best film I have ever seen.
Explanation: 'Have eaten' follows 'This is the first time'. Present perfect for experiences up to now.
Example: It's the best film I have ever seen.
Solved Q.20
"She has been practising the piano all week." Which tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Perfect Continuous
Explanation: 'Has been practising' emphasises continuous effort over a period leading up to now. Action may continue.
Example: They have been preparing for the exam for months.
Explanation: 'Has been practising' emphasises continuous effort over a period leading up to now. Action may continue.
Example: They have been preparing for the exam for months.
Hindi tenses (เคाเคฒ) follow similar time divisions. Explore more at the
Kriya (Verb) Hub.
For the next logical step, the
Past Tense worksheet
will help you talk about yesterday and beyond.
✏️ Practice Questions (20 Questions with Answers)
Now you try. Identify the present tense in each sentence.
Practice Q.1
"He drinks coffee every morning." Tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Simple Present
Explanation: 'Drinks' shows a daily habit. Simple present for routines.
Example: She brushes her teeth twice a day.
Explanation: 'Drinks' shows a daily habit. Simple present for routines.
Example: She brushes her teeth twice a day.
Practice Q.2
"The children are playing in the garden." Tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Continuous
Explanation: 'Are playing' action in progress now.
Example: I am watching TV at the moment.
Explanation: 'Are playing' action in progress now.
Example: I am watching TV at the moment.
Practice Q.3
"She has completed her project." Tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Perfect
Explanation: 'Has completed' finished action with present relevance.
Example: We have arrived at the station.
Explanation: 'Has completed' finished action with present relevance.
Example: We have arrived at the station.
Practice Q.4
"I have been waiting for the bus since 8 am." Tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Perfect Continuous
Explanation: 'Have been waiting' duration from past till now.
Example: He has been studying for hours.
Explanation: 'Have been waiting' duration from past till now.
Example: He has been studying for hours.
Practice Q.5
"Birds fly south in winter." Tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Simple Present
Explanation: 'Fly' expresses a general truth/habit.
Example: The Earth revolves around the Sun.
Explanation: 'Fly' expresses a general truth/habit.
Example: The Earth revolves around the Sun.
Practice Q.6
"Look! It is raining heavily." Tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Continuous
Explanation: 'Is raining' action happening right now.
Example: She is sleeping peacefully.
Explanation: 'Is raining' action happening right now.
Example: She is sleeping peacefully.
Practice Q.7
"My parents have gone to the market." Tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Perfect
Explanation: 'Have gone' completed action, they are still there.
Example: She has left her keys inside.
Explanation: 'Have gone' completed action, they are still there.
Example: She has left her keys inside.
Practice Q.8
"They have been living in this city for ten years." Tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Perfect Continuous
Explanation: 'Have been living' ongoing state from past to present.
Example: We have been waiting since morning.
Explanation: 'Have been living' ongoing state from past to present.
Example: We have been waiting since morning.
Practice Q.9
"She speaks three languages." Tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Simple Present
Explanation: 'Speaks' expresses ability/fact.
Example: He knows how to swim.
Explanation: 'Speaks' expresses ability/fact.
Example: He knows how to swim.
Practice Q.10
"I am not feeling well today." Tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Continuous
Explanation: 'Am feeling' temporary state, right now.
Example: She is suffering from a cold.
Explanation: 'Am feeling' temporary state, right now.
Example: She is suffering from a cold.
Practice Q.11
"I have just finished my dinner." Tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Perfect
Explanation: 'Have finished' with 'just' very recent action.
Example: She has just left the office.
Explanation: 'Have finished' with 'just' very recent action.
Example: She has just left the office.
Practice Q.12
"He has been working on this puzzle all day." Tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Perfect Continuous
Explanation: 'Has been working' emphasis on duration.
Example: We have been cleaning the house since morning.
Explanation: 'Has been working' emphasis on duration.
Example: We have been cleaning the house since morning.
Practice Q.13
"The shop opens at 9 o'clock." Tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Simple Present
Explanation: 'Opens' scheduled event/timetable.
Example: The flight departs at 6 am.
Explanation: 'Opens' scheduled event/timetable.
Example: The flight departs at 6 am.
Practice Q.14
"Why are you shouting at me?" Tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Continuous
Explanation: 'Are shouting' action in progress, often with annoyance.
Example: She is always complaining.
Explanation: 'Are shouting' action in progress, often with annoyance.
Example: She is always complaining.
Practice Q.15
"We have known each other since school." Tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Perfect
Explanation: 'Have known' state verb, no continuous form.
Example: I have loved this song for years.
Explanation: 'Have known' state verb, no continuous form.
Example: I have loved this song for years.
Practice Q.16
"Your hands are dirty. What have you been doing?" Tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Perfect Continuous
Explanation: 'Have been doing' recent activity with visible evidence.
Example: He has been gardening all afternoon.
Explanation: 'Have been doing' recent activity with visible evidence.
Example: He has been gardening all afternoon.
Practice Q.17
"I believe in hard work." Tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Simple Present
Explanation: 'Believe' stative verb, mental state.
Example: She prefers tea over coffee.
Explanation: 'Believe' stative verb, mental state.
Example: She prefers tea over coffee.
Practice Q.18
"We are going to the cinema tonight." Tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Continuous
Explanation: 'Are going' fixed future plan.
Example: She is meeting her friend tomorrow.
Explanation: 'Are going' fixed future plan.
Example: She is meeting her friend tomorrow.
Practice Q.19
"This is the third time you have asked that question." Tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Perfect
Explanation: 'Have asked' with 'third time' past experience up to now.
Example: It's the best meal I have ever had.
Explanation: 'Have asked' with 'third time' past experience up to now.
Example: It's the best meal I have ever had.
Practice Q.20
"She has been trying to call you all morning." Tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Perfect Continuous
Explanation: 'Has been trying' repeated attempts over a period.
Example: They have been calling you since yesterday.
Explanation: 'Has been trying' repeated attempts over a period.
Example: They have been calling you since yesterday.
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๐ Challenge Questions (10 Questions with Answers)
These test your ability to distinguish subtle differences between tenses.
Challenge Q.1
"I have been to London." vs "I have gone to London." Which implies the person is still there?
Show Answer
Answer: "Have gone" implies still there; "have been" means returned.
Explanation: 'Have been to' = visited and came back. 'Have gone to' = went and not back yet.
Example: She has gone to the bank (she's there now). She has been to the bank (she's back).
Explanation: 'Have been to' = visited and came back. 'Have gone to' = went and not back yet.
Example: She has gone to the bank (she's there now). She has been to the bank (she's back).
Challenge Q.2
"I think she is nice." vs "I am thinking about her." Why different tenses?
Show Answer
Answer: First: simple present (opinion). Second: present continuous (mental process).
Explanation: 'Think' as opinion is stative (simple). 'Think' as consider is dynamic (continuous allowed).
Example: I think you're right. I am thinking of buying a car.
Explanation: 'Think' as opinion is stative (simple). 'Think' as consider is dynamic (continuous allowed).
Example: I think you're right. I am thinking of buying a car.
Challenge Q.3
"She has written three novels." vs "She has been writing a novel." Difference in meaning?
Show Answer
Answer: First: completed actions (result). Second: ongoing action (process).
Explanation: Present perfect emphasises completion. Present perfect continuous emphasises duration/incompleteness.
Example: I have painted the fence (finished). I have been painting the fence (still painting).
Explanation: Present perfect emphasises completion. Present perfect continuous emphasises duration/incompleteness.
Example: I have painted the fence (finished). I have been painting the fence (still painting).
Challenge Q.4
"I live here." vs "I am living here." Which is more permanent?
Show Answer
Answer: Simple present 'live' suggests permanent; continuous 'am living' suggests temporary.
Example: I live in India (permanent). I am living in Delhi for a few months (temporary).
Example: I live in India (permanent). I am living in Delhi for a few months (temporary).
Challenge Q.5
"The house has been being painted." Is this sentence correct? Explain.
Show Answer
Answer: Grammatically possible but awkward. Present perfect continuous passive.
Explanation: Rarely used; simpler to say "The house has been painted" or "They have been painting the house."
Example: The road has been being repaired for weeks. (Acceptable but avoid).
Explanation: Rarely used; simpler to say "The house has been painted" or "They have been painting the house."
Example: The road has been being repaired for weeks. (Acceptable but avoid).
Challenge Q.6
"I always get up at 6." vs "I am always getting up late." What does the continuous form express?
Show Answer
Answer: Continuous with 'always' expresses annoyance or an unplanned habit.
Example: He is always losing his keys. (irritation)
Example: He is always losing his keys. (irritation)
Challenge Q.7
"He has been ill." vs "He has been being ill." Which is correct?
Show Answer
Answer: "He has been ill" is correct. "Has been being" is not used with stative verbs.
Explanation: Stative verbs like 'be', 'know', 'like' do not take continuous forms normally.
Example: I have known her for years. (Not 'have been knowing')
Explanation: Stative verbs like 'be', 'know', 'like' do not take continuous forms normally.
Example: I have known her for years. (Not 'have been knowing')
Challenge Q.8
"I work here since 2018." Correct the sentence and identify the tense.
Show Answer
Answer: "I have worked / have been working here since 2018." (Present Perfect/Perfect Continuous).
Explanation: 'Since' requires perfect tenses, not simple present.
Example: She has lived here since childhood.
Explanation: 'Since' requires perfect tenses, not simple present.
Example: She has lived here since childhood.
Challenge Q.9
"The train is arriving at platform 3." Which tense and why not simple present?
Show Answer
Answer: Present continuous for immediate future; simple present for fixed timetable.
Explanation: 'Is arriving' emphasises the imminent action. 'Arrives' (simple) is also correct for scheduled events.
Example: The train arrives at 6 pm. (timetable) / The train is arriving now. (imminent)
Explanation: 'Is arriving' emphasises the imminent action. 'Arrives' (simple) is also correct for scheduled events.
Example: The train arrives at 6 pm. (timetable) / The train is arriving now. (imminent)
Challenge Q.10
"I have been reading the book you lent me." Does this mean I finished it?
Show Answer
Answer: No, it means I am still reading it, or I recently stopped but haven't necessarily finished.
Explanation: Present perfect continuous emphasises ongoing action; completion not implied.
Example: I have been cleaning the house (still doing it or just finished, but mess remains). I have cleaned the house (finished).
Explanation: Present perfect continuous emphasises ongoing action; completion not implied.
Example: I have been cleaning the house (still doing it or just finished, but mess remains). I have cleaned the house (finished).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Quick answers about present tenses.
FAQ 1
What is simple present tense used for?
Show Answer
Answer: Habits, routines, general truths, facts, scheduled events. Example: "She reads every day." "The sun rises in the east."
FAQ 2
When do we use present continuous tense?
Show Answer
Answer: Actions happening right now, temporary situations, future arrangements. Example: "I am reading." "She is staying with her aunt." "We are meeting tomorrow."
FAQ 3
What is the difference between present perfect and simple past?
Show Answer
Answer: Present perfect connects past to present (I have eaten). Simple past is finished time (I ate yesterday).
FAQ 4
When should I use present perfect continuous?
Show Answer
Answer: Actions that started in the past and are still continuing, or have just stopped with visible results. Example: "I have been studying for hours." "Your eyes are red. Have you been crying?"
FAQ 5
Which verbs don't take continuous form?
Show Answer
Answer: Stative verbs: know, believe, like, love, hate, belong, understand, seem, etc. Use simple present instead.
