Continuous Tenses in Indonesian: Exercises on Present, Past, and Future

Continuous tenses in Indonesian offer a unique way to express actions that are ongoing or habitual, each with its distinct markers to denote present, past, and future contexts. Unlike English, Indonesian does not use auxiliary verbs to indicate continuous actions. Instead, specific adverbs and context are key to conveying the continuity of an action. This can be particularly intriguing for learners familiar with English grammar, as it requires a shift in understanding how time and action are interwoven in Indonesian sentences. Mastering these tenses is essential for achieving fluency and for engaging in everyday conversations where the nuance of ongoing actions is crucial. Our exercises are designed to help you grasp the practical application of these continuous tenses in Indonesian. Through a series of structured activities, you will practice identifying and using the appropriate markers for present, past, and future continuous actions. By engaging with these exercises, you will not only enhance your comprehension but also build confidence in using continuous tenses accurately and naturally. Whether you're a beginner or looking to polish your skills, these exercises offer a valuable opportunity to deepen your understanding of Indonesian grammar and improve your overall language proficiency.

Exercise 1

1. Saya *sedang membaca* buku sekarang (verb for reading).

2. Mereka *sedang bermain* sepak bola di lapangan (verb for playing).

3. Dia *sedang menulis* surat untuk temannya (verb for writing).

4. Kami *sedang menonton* film di bioskop (verb for watching).

5. Saya *sedang mendengarkan* musik di kamar (verb for listening).

6. Besok, mereka *akan sedang belajar* di perpustakaan (verb for studying).

7. Minggu lalu, dia *sedang memasak* di dapur (verb for cooking).

8. Mereka *akan sedang bekerja* di kantor minggu depan (verb for working).

9. Kemarin, kami *sedang berjalan* di taman (verb for walking).

10. Dia *akan sedang tidur* ketika saya datang (verb for sleeping).

Exercise 2

1. Saya sedang *membaca* buku di taman (verb for reading).

2. Mereka sedang *bermain* sepak bola di lapangan (verb for playing).

3. Dia akan *menonton* film di bioskop besok (verb for watching).

4. Kami sedang *menulis* surat untuk teman kami (verb for writing).

5. Ibu sedang *memasak* nasi goreng di dapur (verb for cooking).

6. Ayah akan *membeli* mobil baru minggu depan (verb for buying).

7. Saya sedang *belajar* bahasa Indonesia di perpustakaan (verb for studying).

8. Mereka sedang *berbicara* di telepon sekarang (verb for talking).

9. Dia sedang *mendengarkan* musik di kamarnya (verb for listening).

10. Kami akan *berlibur* ke Bali bulan depan (verb for vacationing).

Exercise 3

1. Saya sedang *makan* siang di kantin (verb for eating).

2. Mereka akan *bermain* sepak bola di lapangan besok (verb for playing).

3. Dia sedang *membaca* buku di perpustakaan (verb for reading).

4. Kami akan *menonton* film di bioskop malam ini (verb for watching).

5. Saya sedang *menulis* surat untuk teman saya (verb for writing).

6. Mereka sedang *belajar* untuk ujian di rumah (verb for studying).

7. Dia akan *pergi* ke pasar setelah kerja (verb for going).

8. Kami sedang *berbicara* di telepon sekarang (verb for speaking).

9. Saya akan *membeli* kado untuk ulang tahun adik saya (verb for buying).

10. Mereka sedang *bermain* musik di studio (verb for playing).