You learned in Lesson 10 that the Present Simple states a fact — something always true, not still moving. But some situations are in the middle of changing: they used to be one way, and now they are becoming a different way. The change is still happening right now. That in-between state, not yet a new fact, is where the Present Continuous belongs.

Some verbs can describe a permanent fact in the Present Simple, or a change still in progress in the Present Continuous — the grammar tells you which one is meant.

These words show a change that is still happening. They point to a period of time, not something permanent:

Read each sentence and picture something that is different now than it was before — and still changing.

• Grocery stores are raising their prices.
• My energy levels are getting better these days.
• The neighborhood is changing, one new building at a time.
• My debt is falling, payment by payment.
• Local traffic is getting heavier during rush hour.

A change that is still happening is different from a general truth. General truths and facts take the Present Simple (see Lesson 10). But something that is different now than before, and still changing, needs the Present Continuous.

Click "Fact" or "Change in Progress" for each sentence.

• 1
  Plants need sunlight to grow.

  Fact Change in Progress

  ✓ Correct — a general truth about plants, always true.
• 2
  Muscles grow stronger with exercise.

  Fact Change in Progress

  ✓ Correct — a general truth about how the body works.
• 3
  Her handwriting is getting neater with practice.

  Fact Change in Progress

  ✓ Correct — a measurable improvement, still unfolding.
• 4
  Basic groceries cost more in cities.

  Fact Change in Progress

  ✓ Correct — a standing fact about prices, not a trend.
• 5
  His sleep patterns are changing.

  Fact Change in Progress

  ✓ Correct — a shift happening now, not a permanent pattern.
• 6
  Her monthly expenses are growing.

  Fact Change in Progress

  ✓ Correct — a specific increase that is happening now.
• 7
  Trees lose their leaves in fall.

  Fact Change in Progress

  ✓ Correct — a known, repeated seasonal pattern, stated as a fact.
• 8
  The tree in her yard is losing its leaves early.

  Fact Change in Progress

  ✓ Correct — this specific tree is behaving differently than expected, right now.

Type the correct Present Continuous verb phrase (am/is/are + -ing).

• 1
  Interest in the old neighborhood bookstore . (fall)
• 2
  Households less on eating out these days. (spend)
• 3
  The local farmer's market more organic produce. (sell)
• 4
  More employers a college degree for entry-level jobs these days. (require)
• 5
  More families to homeschool their children. (choose)
• 6
  Her savings a new high. (reach)
• 7
  His interest in photography these days. (grow)
• 8
  Public opinion on the new policy at this time. (change)

Click your answer for each sentence.

• 1
  Her cooking skills get better with practice.

  Correct Incorrect

  ✓ Correct — this is wrong. It should be "Her cooking skills are getting better with practice."
• 2
  The local coffee shop's business grows.

  Correct Incorrect

  ✓ Correct — this is wrong. It should be "The local coffee shop's business is growing."
• 3
  His credit score is growing.

  Correct Incorrect

  ✓ Correct — a measurable improvement, still unfolding.
• 4
  More people choose electric cars these days.

  Correct Incorrect

  ✓ Correct — this is wrong. "These days" signals a shift in progress: "More people are choosing electric cars these days."
• 5
  Her allergies are getting worse with the pollen season.

  Correct Incorrect

  ✓ Correct — an active, unfinished change.
• 6
  Her stress level grows before the exam.

  Correct Incorrect

  ✓ Correct — this is wrong. It should be "Her stress level is growing before the exam."
• 7
  The weather is changing rapidly.

  Correct Incorrect

  ✓ Correct — a specific shift that is happening now, not a permanent condition.
• 8
  Local wildlife populations are falling.

  Correct Incorrect

  ✓ Correct — a measurable decline, still unfolding.

Type the whole negative verb phrase — for example, "isn't growing," not just "isn't." The Present Continuous uses "be," so negatives are formed with isn't/aren't, not don't/doesn't.

• 1
  The city its budget for parks. (cut)
• 2
  Workers more for healthcare at this time. (pay)
• 3
  He his hair as quickly as he feared. (lose)
• 4
  Her eyesight worse as quickly as the doctor expected. (get)
• 5
  He longer to finish his morning run. (take)
• 6
  She new recipes as quickly as she'd like. (learn)
• 7
  The city new housing fast enough these days. (build)
• 8
  Her energy for exercise . (grow)

Type the whole opening question phrase — for example, "Is enrollment falling," not just "Is." Follow the subject/verb hint given.

• 1
  at the local school? (enrollment / fall)
• 2
  more on streaming services these days? (consumers / spend)
• 3
  online classes? (more students / choose)
• 4
  new records? (the charity's fundraising total / reach)
• 5
  ? (his attitude toward the new job / change)
• 6
  harder for her upcoming exams? (she / study)
• 7
  longer hours than before these days? (he / work)
• 8
  more vegetables? (the garden / produce)

Read each question carefully. Select the sentence that matches the description.

• The idea: the same verb can describe a permanent fact (Present Simple) or a change still happening (Present Continuous) — the grammar shows which one is meant.
• Common mistake: don't describe an unfinished change as if it were a permanent fact — "His hair grows out" is wrong; "His hair is growing out" is right.
• Typical time words: these days, at this time. Avoid "this year," "this quarter," or similar calendar periods — they don't make clear whether something is actually changing or just planned for later.
• Quick test: is this different now than it used to be, and still moving in that direction?
• Next, you'll meet the two remaining Present Continuous flavors: temporary and annoying habits.