Post on 31-Dec-2015
The Present Simple Tense in contrast to
the Present Continuous (Progressive) Tense
Present Simple form‘to work’
+I workYou
-I don’t workYou
? Do I work ? you
HeShe worksIt
HeShe doesn’t work It
heDoes she work ? it
WeYou workThey
WeYou don’t workThey
weDo you work ?
they
The Present Simple1. Use the Present Simple tense to write about habits,
customs, and routines.
I usually meet my aunt for coffee on Sunday afternoon.I usually meet my aunt for coffee on Sunday afternoon.
Most Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving.Most Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving.
The U.S. government takes the census every ten years.The U.S. government takes the census every ten years.
The Present Simple2. Use the Present Simple tense to write about facts (things
that are always true).
The Earth moves around the Sun.The Earth moves around the Sun.
The water boils at 100ºC.The water boils at 100ºC.
The Present Simple Tense
3. Use the Present Simple tense to write about place of origin.
I come from Jordan.I am from Jordan.I come from Jordan.I am from Jordan.
I come from Japan.I am from Japan.I come from Japan.I am from Japan.
The Present Simple Tense
4. Use the Present Simple tense with
non-action(=stative) verbs.
John and Sarah believe in God.John and Sarah believe in God.
Uncle Sam wants you.Uncle Sam wants you.
Present Continuous form‘to work’
+I’m workingYou’re working
-I’m not workingYou aren’t working
?Am I working?Are you working?
He’sShe’s workingIt’s
HeShe isn’t workingIt
heIs she working? it
We’You’re workingThey’
WeYou aren’t workingThey
weAre you working? they
Patricia is holding the baby.
Patricia is holding the baby.
The Present Continuous (Progressive) Tense
1. Use the Present Continuous tense to write about actions that are happening right now.
Julia is studying.
Julia is studying.
2. Use the Present Continuous tense to write about a long action in progress now.
The Present Continuous Tense
I am studying to become a doctor.
The glaciers are melting.
3. Use the Present Continuous tense to write about atemporary action in progress.
The Present Continuous Tense
I am studying at Maria Inmaculada School. I am studying at Maria Inmaculada School.
My nephew is living with me. My nephew is living with me.
4. Use the Present Continuous tense when you describe something or someone (a descriptive state).
The Present Continuous Tense
Which person is Bill Gates?Which person is Bill Gates?
I think Bill Gates is sitting in the front wearing a blue shirt.
I think Bill Gates is sitting in the front wearing a blue shirt.
5. Use the Present Continuous tense when you write about a definite plan for the future. In this case you need a future time expression.
The Present Continuous Tense
I am having lunch with the president on Friday.I am having lunch with the president on Friday.
They are running in the marathon next week.They are running in the marathon next week.
Check your understanding. First, fill in the blank. Then, check your grammar and your choice. Finally, give a reason for your answer.
Complete the sentences with the present simple or present progressive tense and give a reason for your choice.
1. Can I call you back in a few minutes?
I _____ dinner right now. (have)
Reason?
a) am having
b) have
This is happening right now. Have is an action word in this sentence.
PracticePractice
2. I _____ about my mother every day. (think)
Reason?
a) am thinking
b) think
This is a regular event.
PracticePractice
3. I _____ a Honda Civic. (have)
Reason?
a) am having
b) have
In this sentence have is a non-action (=stative) verb. Have is non-action when it means possession.
PracticePractice
4. It _____ a lot in Seattle. (rain)
Reason?
a) is raining
b) rains
This is a regular event (fact).
PracticePractice
5. It is Mother’s Day and I _____ about my mother. (think)
Reason?
a) am thinking
b) think
This is happening right now. Think is an action word in this sentence.
PracticePractice
6. I _____ you are wonderful. (think)
Reason?
a) am thinking
b) think
Think is a non-action (=stative) word when it means an opinion.
PracticePractice
7. I _____ lunch with the president on Friday. (have)
Reason?
a) am having
b) have
This is a definite plan for the future.
PracticePractice
8. I _____ in a hotel while I look for an apartment. (live)
Reason?
a) am living
b) live
This is a temporary action that is happening right now.
PracticePractice
9. I _____ in Chicago. (live)
Reason?
a) am living
b) live
This is a state or a fact. (It is not temporary.)
PracticePractice
10. You _____ tired right now. Perhaps we should do this later. (seem)
Reason?
a) are seeming
b) seem
Seem is a non-action (stative) word.
PracticePractice
11. I _____ I have ever seen you in a dress before. (not/believe)
Reason?
a) am not believing
b) don’t believe
Believe is a non-action (stative) word.
PracticePractice
12. I don’t think Patricia is rich. She _____ an old Honda Civic. (drive)
Reason?
a) is driving
b) drives
This is a fact or regular activity.
PracticePractice
13. You are lying. I _____ you. (believe)
Reason?
a) am not believing
b) don’t believe
Believe is a non-action (stative) word.
PracticePractice
14. I _____ three children. (have)
Reason?
a) am having
b) have
This is a fact or state. Have is a non-action (=stative) verb when it is used for possession.
PracticePractice
15. I _____ a baby in December. (have)
Reason?
a) am having
b) have
This is a definite plan for the future.
PracticePractice
16. Next weekend, Tom _____ camping with his family. (go)
Reason?
a) is going
b) goes
This is a definite plan for the future.
PracticePractice
17. I _____ cooking. (like)
Reason?
a) am liking
b) like
Like is a non-action (=stative) verb.
PracticePractice
18. Rosa _____ to go to an Italian restaurant tonight. (prefer)
Reason?
a) is preferring
b) prefers
Prefer is a non-action (stative) word.
PracticePractice
19. Jonh _____ the menu for Saturday. (plan)
Reason?
a) is planning
b) plans
This could be happening right now or it could be a definite plan for the future.
PracticePractice