English Exercises - Mixed Tenses
Level B1 - B2
Select the correct verb form in each sentence and complete the exercise.
Answer explanations
I don´t like Sam. He is always laughing at my friends.
We usually use the simple present together with adverbs of frequency. However, we often use the present progressive in conjunction with always/constantly/etc. to express our irritation at a repeated action.
My brother hasn´t applied for a job since he graduated from university.
When since is used as a conjunction, the subordinate clause is in the simple past tense if it refers to a completed event. (The present perfect is used if it refers to a state that continues up to the present.)
While we were taking the geography exam, the fire alarm went off.
An ongoing action in the past (in the past progressive) that is interrupted by a shorter event (in the simple past – went off).
This is the first time I have tried shellfish.
We use the present perfect simple after It is the first/second/etc. time.
Steel melts at 1370 degrees Celsius.
General fact → Simple present
Fear of crime is rising rapidly in the town.
We use the present progressive for ongoing developments and changes.
What´s going on? Why is he shouting at the children?
An action taking place at the time of speaking → Present progressive
Does she like chocolate ice cream?
Description of a state → Simple present
The state verb like is not usually used in a progressive tense.
Here comes our bus.
The expressions Here comes and There goes are always used in the simple present.
The United Kingdom consists of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
General fact → Simple present
The state verb consist is not usually used in a progressive tense.
What are you doing at the moment?
An action taking place at the time of speaking → Present progressive
Rob has been living with us since May.
An action that began in the past and continues into the present → Present perfect (progressive)
Lucy has never lied to me. I believe her.
Description of a state → Simple present
The state verb believe is not usually used in a progressive tense.
Bud went on an extended road trip last summer.
A completed action in the past with a past time marker (last summer) → Simple past
The suspect was arrested while he was sleeping in a stolen car.
An ongoing action in the past (in the past progressive) that is interrupted by a shorter event (in the simple past – was arrested).