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Give Clear Stand-up Updates: Present Simple or Continuous?

A2-B1 Level

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Question 1 of 200 correct so far

Question 1

Complete the stand-up update.

I started on Monday, and this week I (cover) for the colleague who normally handles release notes; they are away until Friday.

Grammar review

A stand-up update may describe work that happens regularly or work you are doing for a short time. Use the present simple for routines and normal responsibilities: I review requests every morning. Use the present continuous for work in progress or a temporary arrangement: I'm reviewing a new form this week.

Look beyond a single time word. “This week” can refer to a temporary task, while “every release” points to a routine. Check who does the action too: she checks, but she is checking. The exercise asks you to make that distinction in short updates rather than explain the technical work itself.

Routine or work in progress?

Routine or regular responsibility: present simple | Current or temporary action: am/is/are + -ing

1.I check support requests every morning.
2.We're testing the new page this week.
3.The release manager checks the links before every launch.

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💡 Tips for Success

•Ask whether the update describes what normally happens or what is happening during a particular period.
•Look for the work situation around the blank, not just one time word.
•Check that the subject agrees with the verb and any form of be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does “today” always mean present continuous?

No. It depends on what you mean. A task happening during this particular day may take the present continuous, but a regular responsibility can still take the present simple. Read the full update for the clue.