The Simple Present Tense in Contrast to the Present Progressive (Continuous) Tense

BY JFBS

Verb Tenses
Simple Present Sentence structures A: He speaks. N: He does not speak. Q: Does he speak? Spelling rules 3 person sg: -s or es: 1. Always s, 2. But when verb ending: ss, - x, -ch, -sh, -o; -es: kisses, mixes, watches, washes, goes - cons + y: -ies; studies, cries, - vowel + y: -s. plays, stays 3. Irregular have: -has
Spelling rules ing form 1. Most verbs: -ing; eat eating; speak - speaking 2. Verbs ending e, loses e: write writing 3. One syllable verbs with one vowel: double last consonant: run running, chat chatting
4. WEAK TO STRONG STRESS begin >> beginning prefer >> preferring STRONG TO WEAK STRESS listen >> listening suffer >> suffering
rd

Present Progressive or Continuous

Sentence structures A: He is speaking. N: He is not speaking. Q: Is he speaking?

5.

6. Verbs ending y dont change anything: play- playing

The Simple Present

1. Use the simple present tense to write about regular occurrences (habits, customs, and routines).

I usually meet my aunt for coffee on Sunday afternoon.

Most Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving.

The U.S. government takes the census every ten years.

The Simple Present

2. Use the present simple tense to write about facts.

Chicago has 38 movable bridges.

The average American uses 8 to 100 gallons of water every day.

The Simple Present Tense

3. Use the simple present tense to write about place of origin.

I come from Jordan. I am from Jordan.

I come from Japan. I am from Japan.

The Simple Present Tense

4. Use the simple present tense with non-action verb, for example: like, dislike, hate, know, want, think, etc

Saori and Samah know Polish.

Uncle Sam wants you.

The Present Progressive Tense

1. Use the present progressive tense to write about actions that are happening right now.

Patricia is holding the baby.

Julia is studying.

The Present Progressive Tense

2. Use the present progressive tense to write about a long action in progress.

My neighborhood is getting busy.

The glaciers are melting.

The Present Progressive Tense

3. Use the present progressive tense to write about a temporary action in progress.

I am studying at Moraine Valley Community College.

My nephew is living with me.

The Present Progressive Tense

4. Use the present progressive tense when you write about a definite plan for the future. In this case you need a future time expression.

am having having lunch lunch with with the the president president II am on Friday. Friday. on

They are are running running in in the the marathon marathon next next They week. week.

Check your understanding. First, fill in the blank. Then, check your grammar and your choice. Finally, give a reason for your answer.

Practice

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) a) am having b) have Reason? This is happening right now. Have is an action word in this sentence.

Practice
2. I _____ about my mother every day. (think)
a) am thinking b) think Reason? This is a regular event.

Practice
3. I _____ a Honda Civic. (have)

a) am having b) have Reason? In this sentence have is a non-action verb. Have is non-action when it means possession.

Practice
4. It _____ a lot in Seattle. (rain)

a) is raining b) rains Reason? This is a regular event or occurrence (fact).

Practice
5. It is Mothers Day and I _____ about my mother. (think)
a) am thinking b) think Reason? This is happening right now. Think is an action word in this sentence.

Practice
6. I _____ you are wonderful. (think)

a) am thinking b) think Reason? Think is a non-action word when it means an opinion.

Practice
7. I _____ lunch with the president on Friday. (have)
a) am having b) have Reason? This is a definite plan for the future.

Practice
8. I _____ a Honda Civic. (have)

a) am having b) have Reason? In this sentence have is a non action word. Have is non-action when it means possession.

Practice
9. I _____ in a hotel while I look for an apartment. (live)
a) am living b) live Reason? This is a temporary action that is happening right now.

Practice
10. I _____ in Chicago. (live)

a) am living b) live Reason? This is a state or a fact. (It is not temporary.)

Practice
11. You _____ tired right now. Perhaps we should do this later. (seem)
a) are seeming b) seem Reason? Seem is a non action word.

Practice
12. I _____ Kasia is from Poland. (believe)
a) am believing b) believe Reason? Believe is a non action word.

Practice
13. I dont think Patricia is rich. She _____ an old Honda Civic. (drive)
a) is driving b) drives Reason? This is a fact or regular activity.

Practice
14. You are lying. I _____ you. (believe)
a) am not believing b) dont believe Reason? Believe is a non action word.

Practice
15. I _____ three children. (have)

a) am having b) have Reason? This is a fact or state. Have is a nonaction verb when it is used for possession.

Practice
16. I _____ a baby in December. (have)

a) am having b) have Reason? This is a definite plan for the future.

Practice
17. Next weekend, Tom _____ camping with his family. (go)
a) is going b) goes Reason? This is a definite plan for the future.

Practice
18. I _____ cooking. (like)

a) am liking b) like Reason? Like is a non-action verb.

Practice
19. Rosa _____ to go to an Italian restaurant tonight. (prefer)
a) is preferring b) prefers Reason? Prefer is a non-action word.

Practice
20. Abdul _____ the menu for Saturday. (plan)
a) is planning b) plans Reason? This could be happening right now or it could be a definite plan for the future.

LIKES AND PREFERENCES

Verbs: like, love, hate, prefer, dont mind, and enjoy show likes and preferences VERB + GERUND

1. I love shopping
2. We prefer swimming to jogging 3. I dont mind going to the cinema 4. She enjoys listening to music

SUBJECT AND OBJECT QUESTIONS

SUBJECT QUESTIONS:
Who went to the party? - WHO = SUBJECT What happened? WHAT = SUBJECT

OBJECT QUESTIONS:
Who did you see at the weekend? - WHO = OBJECT, YOU = SUBJECT What did they say? WHAT = OBJECT, THEY= SUBJECT

THE END
By JFBS