PRESENT
CONTINUOUS
1) It is used to denote an action taking place at the
present moment:
a)
at the moment of speaking. The moment of
speaking is indicated by the adverbials: at
the moment, now, at present, just now, right now, etc.
e.g. The woman is wearing a white blouse and a black
skirt. Nell is putting down the
examples on the blackboard.
b)
during the present period of time or around the
present moment (in this case now obviously
has a broader meaning) = a temporary situation. The durative character of the
action may be expressed by the adverbial modifiers all day/night/morning, the whole day, still, etc.
e.g. They are very busy
all this time, they are preparing for
exams. David is collecting material
for his new book now. She is working in
Paris this week.
There might be two simultaneous (parallel)
actions in progress: e.g. I‟m writing the letter while
the children are playing in the garden.
2) It is used to denote the nearest future action which is
planned or arranged.
e.g. I‘m seeing
Rachel tonight. We aren‟t going anywhere for Christmas, we are staying at
home.
The construction
―to be going
to‖ is often used for the same purpose.
e.g. I‘m going to explore the neighbourhood.
3)
It is used to show the
unusual frequency of an action in the present. It is often used with the
adverbials of frequency always,
constantly, never, again, etc. The speaker conveys the feeling of
irritation, surprise or criticism (wants to give emotional colouring to his sentence).
e.g. Mr Stone is always grumbling. He is constantly
making comments about my weight.
4) It is used to denote actions or states having a dynamic
character.
= changing and
developing situations.
e.g. The climate is getting warmer. Mary is putting on weight. His health is improving.
5) It is used to express a continual process. It is often
used with the adverbials of frequency
always,
constantly, ever, etc.
e.g. The earth is ever moving. The sun is ever shining.
Note: Some stative verbs (see, smell, taste, feel, think, have, etc.) have
continuous forms but there is a difference in meaning.
|
STATE |
ACTION |
|
I think she is rich. (=I believe) |
I‘m
thinking about your plan. (=I‘m considering) |
|
The milk tastes awful. (=it has bad flavour) |
He‘s
tasting the sauce; it might need salt. (=he‘s trying its flavour) |
|
He has a pet dog. (=he owns) |
He is
having dinner now. (=he‘s eating) |
|
The cloth feels like velvet. (=has the texture) |
She‘s
feeling her way in the dark. (=she‘s finding her way) |
|
I see you are in trouble. (=I
understand) |
I‘m seeing my
lawyer tonight. (=I‘m visiting) |
|
The kitchen smells of burnt milk. (=has the smell) |
Why are you
smelling your food? (=trying the smell of) |
|
He comes from Spain. (=he was born in) |
He‘s coming
from Spain. (=he‘s traveling from) |
|
I love holidays. (=in general) |
I‘m loving this
holiday. (=I‘m enjoying; specific) |
|
Your hair looks great. (=it appears) |
She‘s
looking at some old photographs. (=she‘s examining) |
|
The baby weighs 5 kilos. (=it is) |
I‘m
weighing myself on my new scales. (=I‘m finding out my weight) |
|
Ann is very tall. |
Ann is
being very kind to me these days. (=she‘s behaving) |
Ex.1
Choose
between the Present Continuous or Present Indefinite.
Dear Deborah,
I (have) a great
time here in England. My University term (start) until the autumn, so I (take)
the opportunity to improve my English. I (stay) with some English friends who
(own) a farm. On weekdays I (catch) a bus into Bath to go to language classes.
I (make) good progress, I think. My friends (say) my pronunciation is much
better than when I arrived, and I (understand) almost everything now. At
weekends I (help) on the farm. At the moment They (harvest) the corn and they
(need) all the help they can get. It‘s quite hard work, but I (like) it. And I
(develop) strong muscles!
(come) to visit me
at Christmas? I (spend) the winter holiday here on the farm. My friends (want)
to meet you and there‘s plenty of space. But you must bring your warmest
clothes. It (get) very cold here in winter.
Hope to hear from
you soon. Love, Mike.
Ex. 2
Show the difference in the
meaning of the Present Continuous and the Present Indefinite tense- forms by
matching the questions and answers below.
|
1. What
do you do? 2.
What are you doing? 3.
Where does he work? 4.
Where is he working? 5.
Does his son play the guitar? 6.
Is your son playing the guitar? 7.
What language does he speak? 8. What
language is he speaking? |
a. Actually
that‘s the radio. b.
Dutch – she‘s from Holland. c.
I want to get the car started. d.
I‘m a carpenter. e.
He‘s in Dublin this week. f.
In a big computer company. g.
It sounds like Polish. h. Me.
And can I have some more? |
|
9. Who
drinks champagne? 10. Who
is drinking champagne? |
i.
Me, when I can afford it. j.
No, the violin. |
Ex. 3
Choose
between the Present Continuous and Present Indefinite to express a future action.
1.
We (have) a party next
Saturday. Would you like to come?
2.
I (not/go) away for my holidays next month because I haven‘t got
enough money.
3.
The concert (start) at 7.30
tomorrow night.
4.
George, is it true that you
(get) married next week?
5.
The art exhibition (open) on
3 May and (finish) on 15 July.
6.
What time the next train (leave)?
7.
We (go) to town. You (come)
with us, Ann?
8.
I (attend) a seminar on Monday.
9.
What time the banks (close) tonight?
10.
You (see) Laura on Saturday?
11. I
see from the report that you (meet) the manager tomorrow.
Ex. 4
Rephrase
each sentence so that it means the same as the preceding one. Make sure you
begin the rephrased sentences as given.
1. What‘s
the weight of this huge elephant? How much
?
2. Tom
keeps slamming the door! Tom is always
!
3. There
is a strong smell of garlic in the kitchen. The kitchen
.
4. Wendy‘s
speciality is heart surgery. Wendy
.
5. Bob
is in the habit of getting to bed early. Bob usually
.
6. What
is the meaning of this proverb? What
?
7. Linda‘s
dental appointment is at 2 p.m. Linda .
8. He
has a bad habit of folding back the pages of a book. He is constantly .
9.
He is used to keeping late
hours. He often .
10. I‘ll get home at about 7 and I‘ll give you a ring then. I‟ll give you a ring
.
11. The
investigation of a crime is in the hands of the police. The police .
12. We‘ll
leave at the end of the lecture. As soon as .
13. Do
you have plans for the coming weekend? What
?
14. Lucy
isn‘t such a late riser as Ann. Lucy generally
.
Ex. 5
Some
of the following sentences are incorrect. Find the errors and explain why the
tense-form is incorrect.
1.
This fish is tasting salty.
2.
(over the phone) Who do I
speak to?
3.
Are you knowing the girl who
lives next door?
4.
As far as I know they live
in a very small flat.
5.
Look, the man takes a photo
of you.
6.
Jeremy is a photographer. He
is taking photos for a newspaper.
7.
Peter is very hospitable. He
is always inviting his friends to stay at Christmas.
8.
Are these shoes belonging to you?
9.
Sally is loving her baby
more than anything.
10.
It rains so hard! Remember
to take an umbrella.
11.
I‘m feeling she‘s making a mistake.
12.
Why do you look at me like that?
13.
I hope you don‘t mind my
bringing the dog with me.
14.
The children seem frightened.
15. Anna
is Italian. She is coming from Italy.
16.
I see the situation is out
of control.
17.
My parents think of moving
to the country.
18. What‘s
your mum cooking? It‘s smelling fantastic!
Ex. 6
Fill
in the Present Indefinite or Present Continuous.
1.
A: I (think) about visiting
Jane this afternoon. B: I wouldn‘t bother. I (think) she‘s away on holiday.
2.
A: Mr. Jones (have) a
telephone message from his wife. B: Can it wait? He (have) a business meeting
and I don‘t want to disturb him.
3.
A: The police (still/look)
for fingerprints left in this room. B: It (look) as if they won‘t find the criminal.
4.
A: I(love) breathing in
clean, country air! B: So do I. I
(love) every minute of this walking trip.
5.
A: I (see) my boss about a
pay rise this afternoon. B: I (see). That‘s why you are wearing a suit and a tie.
6.
A: Why (you/taste) the soup?
Is there anything wrong with it? B:
Yes – it (taste) too sweet. I think I‘ve used sugar instead of salt.
7.
A: Why (you/feel) the baby‘s
forehead, Mum? B: I think she‘s got a temperature. She (feel) rather hot.
8.
A: John (be) a very rude
person, you know. B: I know. Sheila (be) very rude these days too, although she‘s usually polite.
9.
A: It (look) as if it‘s going to rain this afternoon. B: I know. I
(look) for my umbrella to take out with me.
10.
A: How much (your new
baby/weigh)? B: I don‘t know yet. The nurse (weigh) him at the moment.
Ex. 7
Underline
the correct item.
1.
John is/is being usually rude, but today he is/is being polite to his colleagues.
2.
Ann is/is being usually patient, but today she is/is being impatient.
3.
Sam is/is being rude to his mum now, but he is/is being normally pleasant to
her.
4.
John is/is being a kind man, but at the moment he is/is being selfish.
5.
Julie is/is being silly at the moment, although I know she is/is being
really very sensible.
PAST
CONTINUOUS
1) It is used to denote an action which was going on at a
definite moment in the past or during a definite period of time in the past.
The definite moment or period in the past can be indicated by an adverbial
phrase (at 2 p.m., at that time
yesterday, from 5 till7, all evening, the whole day, in the afternoon, between
one and two, etc.), by another past action or prompted by the context.
e.g. What were you
doing at 1 p.m. yesterday? – I was having a lunch with my friend. I
looked out of the window. The sun was shining.
Note 1: When a past action in
progress is interrupted by another past action, the longer background action is in the Past Continuous and a shorter action (a single event) is
expressed by the Past Indefinite.
e.g. As/when/while my dad was painting the ceiling he spilt some paint on the floor.
Note 2: It is used to express
two parallel simultaneous situations (actions) in the past.
e.g. While John was sitting doing nothing, I was working out a plan to get us home.
Note 3: When two actions are not
simultaneous, i.e. when one action happened one after another, only the Past
Simple is used for both the verbs.
e.g. When the teacher came, we wrote a dictation.
2)
It is used to denote
past actions of unusual frequency to convey a feeling of annoyance, irritation
or criticism with adverbials of permanence always, constantly.
e.g. In those days he was always borrowing money and forgetting to pay it back.
3) Reported
present-time actions in progress (according to the rules of Sequence of Tenses).
e.g. Ann asked: ―Is Jane talking on the phone?‖ (direct
speech)
Ann asked if Jane
was talking on the phone.
(indirect/reported speech)
4)
The Past Continuous of the
verbs to expect, to intend, to hope, to
plan, to mean may be used to show that the planned action was not carried
out.
e.g. I was meaning to go there.
Ex. 1
Open
the brackets using the verbs in the Past Continuous tense-form.
1.
The street was absolutely
empty and we (drive) very fast.
2.
Did you really hear what
they (talk) about?
3.
She was disgusting to look
at! She (always/chew) gum!
4.
(the music/play) all the
time from 7 to 9 in the evening?
5.
When we arrived at the
seaside the weather was disappointing at first. A strong wind (blow), the sky was cloudy and it (drizzle). But the next
day the sun came out.
6.
It sounds strange but I
can‘t remember what I (do) at this time two days ago. – Perhaps you (sleep).
7.
I found the house in a mess.
The light was on. The water in the bathroom (run), some dish (burn) in the oven. – Good Lord, it could have caught fire!
8.
He was actually the only one
who (listen) carefully to what I (say).
9.
What (she/wear) at the party?
Ex. 2
Identify the Past tenses and
match them with the correct definition.
|
1.
While they were discussing the itinerary I was packing the suitcases. 2. She
went to the market and bought some vegetables. 3.
At 6 o‘clock this morning
I was having
a wonderful dream, but then the alarm went off! 4. He
broke his leg while he was playing football. 5.
She left school last year. 6.
Nick was always teasing me when we were
at school. 7.
He used to smoke like a chimney when
he was younger. 8.
I was wondering if I might use your
phone. |
a.
A past action in progress
interrupted by another past action b.
A habitual past action c.
Simultaneous past actions
in progress d.
An action in progress at a
definite moment in the past e.
A repeated action in the
past with a feeling of annoyance f.
A polite request g.
A single past event h.
A succession of past events |
Ex. 3
Open
the brackets using the verbs in the Past Indefinite or Past Continuous.
1.
He (hurt) his leg when he
(fall) off the ladder.
2. I
(see) that she (enjoy) the concert. She (sit/smile).
3.
Why (you/not/open) the door
at once? – Sorry, I (not/hear) the bell.
4.
I (break) the plate while I
(do) the washing up.
5. At
2 o‘clock this afternoon I (have) lunch that‘s why you (not/get) me on the
phone. What (you/want) to tell me? – Actually I (call) to tell you I (come) by
the 7 o‘clock train.
6.
I (find) that old photo when
I (look) through the album.
7.
He (look) through the
article for some time and then (make) notes.
8.
They (discuss) the situation
for about an hour at yesterday‘s meeting.
9.
The boy (always/fidget). But
whenever I (tell) him not to, He (stick) out his tongue at me.
10. While
the Coppards (work) in the garden Mr. Coppard (have) a heart attack and his
wife (call) the doctor.
Ex. 4
Choose
between four tense-forms: the Present Indefinite or Continuous, the Past
Indefinite or Continuous.
1.
Who you (think) you are, speaking to me like that?
2.
We (have) a great time there
in London.
3.
The last job I (apply) for
(require) applicants to speak some Italian.
4.
Susie (water) the plants
while her mother (make) an apple-pie/
5.
If you (not/listen) to the
radio, why don‘t you switch it off?
6.
I remember the day you got
engaged. We (have) tea in the garden when you (come) out of the house and (tell) us about this.
7.
I tried to explain the
situation to my parents, but they just (not/understand) what I (talk) about.
8.
What have they put in this
sauce? It (taste) absolutely disgusting.
9.
Why you (wear) that thin
dress? You‘ll freeze to death in this cold wind!
10.
Look! You (see) that man
standing beside the cash desk? I‘m sure he (plan) to steal something.
11. My son didn‘t want to come shopping with us because he (watch) a football match on television.
12.
He (do) quite a lot in his
short life.
FUTURE
CONTINUOUS
1) It
is used to denote an action which will be going on at a definite moment in the
future. The definite moment can be indicated by another future action expressed
by a verb in the Present Indefinite, by an adverbial phrase (at 2 p.m., at this time tomorrow, all
evening, from October to November, etc.) or is understood from the situation.
e.g. I‘ll already
be working when you return. At 12
o‘clock I‘ll still be working. I‘m sure you won‘t be able
to speak to him, he will be working.
2) It is also used to talk about events that are a result
or part of an arrangement made in advance. (There is, in fact, little
difference between this usage and the use of the Present Cont. for future
arrangements. The Future Cont., however, is used to distance the arrangement a
little, making it more fixed and less open to
change.)
e.g. Buses won‟t
be running here this weekend due to essential track repairs. The band will be performing live in Warsaw next
summer. (Compare: When are you moving to Leeds?)
3) It can have a modal colouring: it can denote an action
which is sure to take place, often independently of the will of the speaker and
the doer of the action. To show the speaker‘s certainty about the predicted
events, states, etc. parenthetical phrases such as I am sure, I know, I believe are often used.
e.g. I hope you will
not be using the car tomorrow evening; I‘d like to borrow it if you don‘t
mind. I feel I‟ll be asking the same
question tomorrow. Mike is sympathetic because he knows his successor will be having a hard time doing the
job.
4) It
is used to denote a future action which is part of a regular routine (a
matter-of-course event), which doesn‘t need any special arrangement.
e.g.
I‘ll be passing the post-office on
my way home from work, so I‘ll buy you a newspaper. Now that Nick is in Helen‘s
department they will be seeing a lot
of each other.
Compare: statements
· I‘ll see him about it tomorrow. (a
promise or a decision)
· I‘m seeing him about it tomorrow. (a
pre-arranged plan)
· I‘ll be seeing him
about it tomorrow. (a matter-of-course event) Compare: questions
· When
will you move? or When are you moving?
(straightforward enquiries)
· When
will you be moving? Will you
be starting tomorrow? (polite enquiries)
Ex. 1
Match the sentences on the
left with the meaning of the Future Continuous Tense on the right.
|
1.
Don‘t phone after 11 p.m.
I will be sleeping. 2.
Will
you
be using your iron in the evening? 3.
He says he will be working overtime
the whole week. 4. I
won‘t bother to fix the time to see you, because I‘ll be calling into the office
several times next week. |
a.
An action in progress at a
definite moment in the future b.
An action that will be
going on over a period of time in
the future c.
Part of a regular routine
(a matter-of- course event) d.
A polite enquiry e.
A prediction f.
An arrangement |
5.
What will you be doing in five years‘ time?
6.
I‘ll be going to the shops on my way from work and can get you some
bread and cheese.
7.
I‘m sure they‘ll be enjoying their stay at the summer camp.
8.
I feel she‘ll be asking you the same question again tomorrow.
9.
We‘ll be having our weekly meeting on
Monday.
Ex. 2
Put
the verbs in brackets into the Future Continuous or the Future Indefinite
tense.
1.
Dr. Brown (be) in the office
at 3 p.m.? – No, I‘m afraid not. He (attend) a
conference.
2. Do
you think Steve (agree) to take part in the University boating race if we send
him an invitation? – I‘m sure he will.
3.
Have you missed the last
train? – Yes, I (have) to walk home now.
4. Are
you free from 9 to 10 tomorrow morning? – Well, I am but I (not/be) at home. I
(walk) the dog at that time.
5. Why
can‘t you come to the party tomorrow night? – Because I (study) for an exam.
6. If
I enter the Linguistic University next year, I (study) 3 foreign languages. –
What language you (major) in? – It (be)
English, of course.
7. I‘d
like to have a chat with you today, Tony. I (come) and (see) you at the office,
if you don‘t mind. – All right. I (wait) for you.
8. If
my job application is accepted they
(invite) me for an interview? – Yes, but I‘m afraid it (not/be) the last.
9.
Next year they (go) to Spain
for a holiday.
10.
At 4 o‘clock on Tuesday
afternoon we (fly) over Paris.
11.
Don‘t worry. I (help) you
carry your bags.
12.
I promise you I (try) harder
next time.
13.
I‘m afraid I can‘t come to
your barbecue party on Friday night. I (fly) to Boston just then.
14.
We all (use) the Internet in
our everyday life in a couple of years.
15.
If they come round for
dinner tomorrow evening, I (show) them the photographs.
16.
I (work) late at the office
this evening, so I (not/get) home till about
10.
CONTINUOUS TENSES
Sentences for analysis
1.
I‘ll already be working when
you return.
2.
They were working in the garden all day
long.
3.
She was constantly complaining of
being lonely.
4.
I‘m playing golf tomorrow.
5.
Kate is in Britain. She is learning English.
6.
Don‘t ring them up at 7 in
the morning. They will be sleeping.
7.
I‘m reading a book while the children are playing in the garden.
8.
The kettle is boiling. Can you turn it off, Mike?
9.
She is taking dancing classes recently.
10.
Look, the man is taking a photo of you!
11.
John arrived when I was cooking supper.
12.
I asked if she was doing her home-task.
13.
The earth is ever moving.
14. The
Browns will be staying at my place
all weekend.
15.
Our ballet dancers will be performing in Moscow this autumn.
16. Are
you free from 9 to 10 tomorrow morning? – Well, I am but I won‘t be at home. I‘ll be walking the dog in the park.
17. Will you
be using your iron in the evening?
18.
I‘ll be going to the shops on my way from work and can get you some
bread and cheese.
19.
I feel she‘ll be asking the same question tomorrow.
20.
We are having a party next Saturday. Would you like to come?
21.
My parents are thinking of moving to the country.
22.
Sue met her husband while he
was working in Paris.
23.
Fleming was studying influenza when he discovered penicillin.
24.
It was snowing heavily when we got to
Warsaw.
25.
I saw Carol at the party.
She was wearing a really beautiful dress.
