Grammar in Context 2

Chapter 2Present Continuous and Future Verb

Tenses

How to use the Present Continuous

• For an action that is happening right now– I am waiting for you!

• For an action that takes a period of time (long term) and is happening right now – I am sitting down (it takes 2 or 3 seconds)– I am walking to school (it takes 10 mins to walk)

• A description of a temporary state – sit, stand, wear and sleep.

Present Continuous FormNoun Verb “to be” Verb + ing

I am studying

You are working

He/she/it is jumping

We are thinking

They are meeting

? Word Be Subj. Be Verb + ing Dir. Obj.

The teacher is teaching the class.

She isn’t writing her test.

Is Bob writing a test?

What is Jane holding?

Why isn’t school ending yet?

Notes on Present Continuous

• For spoken language – often Canadians leave the preposition at the end of the sentence.– Informal: What is she writing about?– Formal: About what is she writing?

• What … doing? We answer with a concrete specific verb that describes the action.– What are you doing? I am sleeping, I am eating (not I am doing

unless you are going to say “I am doing my homework…”)• When the same subject (noun) is doing 2 or more things

don’t repeat the verb “to be”– I am eating and sleeping (not I am eating and am sleeping)

Present Continuous Notes

• We do not usually use the present continuous with some nonaction verbs: These nonaction verbs describe a state or condition. We use the simple present tense even when we are talking about right now. (see page 41 textbook for details)

Nonaction Verbs

Believe Hear Matter Prefer Think

Care Know Mean Remember Understand

Cost Like Need See Want

Have Love Own seem

Simple Present Tense Present Continuous Tense

Use simple present tense for a general truth, a habitual (regular/daily) activity, or a custom.• I brush my hair every night• I eat breakfast at 7:30 a.m.• I walk to school most days.• I shake hands when I meet people.

Use present continuous for an action that is only happening right now, or a longer action that takes some time.I am writing a letter.I am eating a big breakfast today.I am walking because the car is broken.I am working on reading the book.

Verb: to liveI live here.Live – in the simple present tense shows where a person lives (their home).

Verb: to liveI am living in a hotel while my house is fixed. Live – in the present continuous tense shows a temporary or short term residence.

Verb: to doWhat do you do for a living? The Verb to do in the simple present asks about a job.

Verb: to doWhat are you doing? The Verb to do in the present continuous verb tense asks about an activity you are doing right now.

Future Verb Tense

For a plan for the future– I will go to university. (it’s a plan it could change

or not happen)– I will take out the garbage in a few minutes. (I

might forget or I might have to do something else)

For a prediction about the future– Global warming will melt the ice caps.– You will marry a tall, dark, handsome stranger.

Future Tense – 2 WaysWill + Base Form Verb Be Going to + Base Form Verb

I will sleep in Saturday. I am going to sleep in Saturday.

We will raise money for charity. We are going to raise money for charity.

What will you do tomorrow? What are you going to do tomorrow?

When will you leave? When are you going to leave?

I’ll sleep in Saturday. I’m going to sleep in Saturday.

We’ll raise money for charity. We’re going to raise money for charity.

What’ll you do tomorrow? What’re you going to do tomorrow?What are you gonna do tomorrow (spoken slang– not correct English)

2 Ways Future Tense – When to Use Which one?

Will Be Going To

Prediction People will live longer.

People are going to live longer.

Both work

Expectation There will be a test Friday.

There is going to be a test Friday.

Both work

Offer I will help you tomorrow.

Use “will”

Promise I will pay you back next week.

Use “will”

Scheduled Event The fire drill will be Monday.

Use “will”

Plan We are going to go to the pool on Monday.

Use “be going to”

Future Tense + Time/If ClausesTime Clause (simple present) Main Clause (future tense)

When my parents are old, I’ll take care of them.

If Clause (simple present) Main Clause (future tense)

If they need help, I’ll help them.

Main Clause (future tense) Time Clause (present tense)

I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Main Clause (future tense) If Clause (present tense)

I’m going to leave early if the teacher lets me.