Present Tense Exercise One

First Certificate in English:
Gap-fill exercise

© 2012 The English Zone

Put the verb into the correct form. Sometimes you need the negative (I'm doing etc).

Grammar Points

Use the present tense simple for:

◘ facts of life, things that are generally true.
Ex: People who have jobs earn money.

◘ things people do or things that happen in general or habitually.
Ex: I read a lot of books.

◘ permanent situations that won't change or are unlikely to change.
Ex: Jack lives alone because he prefers it.

Use the present continuous for:

◘ actions at exactly this moment.
Ex: You're reading this sentence.

◘ actions during this period of time.
Ex: This country is changing a lot.

◘ temporary situations that will or may change.
Ex: Robert's working in a bar this summer.

Have (got)

◘ use the present simple 'I have' refers to possessing something.
Ex: They have/They've got a new house.

note: Do not ask 'Have you' with this meaning.
NOT 'Has he a well paid job?'

◘ use the present simple and the present continuous if 'have' is part of a phrase that refers to an action.
Ex: I have a shower every morning. She's having a shower at the moment.

note: Forms of 'have got' are not correct with this meaning.
NOT 'I have got a shower every morning.


© 2012 Tia Rodriguez
1) The trains to London from platform 5 every half an hour. (leave)

2) Leave me alone. I to concentrate. (try)

3) People in Italy a lot of pasta. (eat)

4) how to fill in this form? (you understand)

5) As part of her job, she to a lot of conferences. (go)

6) this kind of music? (you like)

7) Cars like that a lot of money. (cost)

8) I what to do at the moment, I'm very confused. (not know)

9) Don't shout at me. I my best. (do)

10) The fans are unhappy because the team very badly at the moment. (play)

11) Brian a suit for work when he has to look smart. (wear)

12) Why so rude to me today? have I done something to upset you? (you be)

13) I this sandwich. 'OK, I'll have it.' (not want)

14) I for a letter from my friend in San Francisco. (wait)

15) ' this chair?' 'No, it's free, you can take it.' (anyone use)


© 2012 Tia Rodriguez