Present Continuous Tense Worksheet
Practice identifying and using the present continuous tense in sentences and short passages for Grade 8 ELA.
Includes
Standards
Topics
Present Continuous Tense Practice
Name:
Date:
Score:
Read each section carefully and follow the instructions to complete the exercises on the present continuous tense.
The present continuous tense (also known as the present progressive tense) is used to describe actions that are happening right now, at this moment, or actions that are temporary. It is formed with the present tense of the verb 'to be' (am, is, are) + the present participle of the main verb (verb + -ing).
1. Which sentence correctly uses the present continuous tense?
She reads a book.
She is reading a book.
She read a book.
She will read a book.
2. What is the main purpose of the present continuous tense?
To describe past events
To describe future plans
To describe actions happening now
To describe habits
Complete the sentences with the correct present continuous form of the verb in parentheses.
3. My brother (play) video games right now.
4. They (study) for their history test this week.
5. I (listen) to my favorite podcast.
6. The birds (sing) beautifully outside.
Determine if the following statements about the present continuous tense are true or false.
7. The present continuous tense is formed by adding -ed to the verb.
True
False
8. We use the present continuous tense to talk about general truths.
True
False
9. Write a sentence describing an action you are currently doing, using the present continuous tense.
10. Explain one difference between the simple present tense and the present continuous tense.
Read the short passage below. Then, rewrite the passage, changing all the verbs that can be expressed in the present continuous tense to that form. Be sure to maintain the original meaning as much as possible.
The school bell rings at 8:00 AM. Students walk into their classrooms and sit down. The teacher writes the day's agenda on the board. Some students talk quietly, while others open their textbooks. Everyone prepares for the first lesson.