23-7-21 Inna present tense

• Engels
• Beroepsopleiding

Today's lesson

How did the homework exercises (present perfect) go?

Today we will focus on the present tense

Present tense

Previously we studied the past tense and came across different constructions: the past simple and the past continuous. When we are talking about things that happen now (the present tense) we can also use a simple and a continuous construction. 

Present simple

I run

you run

he / she / it runs

we run

you run

they run

The present simple is simple!!

= verb (without " to")

he / she / it: verb +s

("shit" rule)

There are a few spelling exceptions

fly / try / cry: he flies / tries / cries

(consonant + y: y-ie)

Stay / obey: she stays / obeys

(vowel + y: no change to the y)

go / do: he goes / does

(final o: add es)

kiss / push/ catch: she kisses / pushes / catches

(final hissing sound: add -ses)

When to use the present simple

The present simple can be used in a few different situations. The most important situation for you where you will use it is opening times / timetables 

eg The studio opens at 9am

The reformer lesson starts at 10am

(It is also ok to use "will" - the studio will open at 9am)

Present simple

A second situation which you might come across where you need to use the present simple is describing habits

Eg every year we go to Portugal

I practise Pilates every day

My partner cooks dinner every day ;-)

Practise time!

Tell me about a few habits you have. Use the present simple to describe them. 

Present continuous

I am working

you are working

he / she/ it is working

we are working

you are working

they are working

In the past continuous, we used to be + verb + ing.

The present continuous also uses to be + verb + ing

Where is the difference between the past continuous and the present continuous?

present continuous and "not"

If you want to say you are NOT doing something, you put the word NOT after to be

He is not working today

They are not coming today

Present continuous and questions

To ask questions while using the present continuous, flip the person and TO BE around.

Are you writing a book?

What  are  you cooking for dinner?

Where am I going to meet you today?

The present continuous also has a few spelling exceptions:

One vowel letter- double the final letter

To shop: I am shopping

To cut: He is cutting

Final letter= e: drop the "e" 

to write: We are writing

spelling exceptions (2)

-ie ending: ie changes to y

to lie: He is lying

words with a c ending: add a "k"

panic: You are panicking

picnic: They are picnicking

When to use the present continuous

We use it to describe what is happening at this moment.

eg I am teaching you English

You are listening intently!

"At this moment" can be taken broadly, so it is also ok to say 

-The writer is currently working on her new novel

-I am in the process of expanding my business

More uses of the present continuous

You can use the present continuous to talk about things that you have planned in the future:

eg I am going to Portugal next month 

(in this case you have booked your tickets!)

It can also be used to talk about annoying habits

eg That lady is always complaining

Practise time

1: Tell me about someone who annoys you and what they do. Try to use the present continuous.

2: Tell me about future plans, use the present continuous when talking about things which have already been arranged. How do we talk about things which we would like to do, but we haven't planned yet?