HomeGrammarPresent Simple ExercisesPresent Simple Mixed Practice

Present Simple Mixed Practice

A2 Level

Mixed practice combines positive, negative, and question forms together in one exercise. This is harder than practising one form at a time because you must decide which type of sentence each question needs — and then apply the correct rule. One question might need "She goes," the next might need "Do they go?" and the next "He doesn't go." Switching between forms is what real English communication requires.

When you see a gap in a mixed exercise, follow these three steps: first, check if the sentence is positive, negative, or a question. Second, find the subject — is it he/she/it or something else? Third, apply the correct rule: -s/-es for positive third person, "don't / doesn't" + base verb for negatives, "Do / Does" + base verb for questions. If you can do all three steps quickly, your present simple grammar is strong. Mixed practice is the best preparation for real conversations, writing, and English exams, where all three forms appear together without warning.

Quick Rule

positive (verb / verb-s) + negative (don't / doesn't + base) + question (Do / Does + base)

  • 1.She speaks three languages fluently. (positive — third person -s)
  • 2.We don't eat dinner before seven o'clock. (negative — don't + base verb)
  • 3.Does your brother play any musical instruments? (question — Does + base verb)
  • 4.I don't take the bus to work very often. (negative — don't + base verb)
  • 5.Where do they usually go on holiday? (WH question — Do + base verb)