Lesson 2 – Step 3 – Present simple and present continuous

Goal

It’s time to continue learning about two very useful tenses: the present simple and the present continuous.

You can watch the video or go straight to the written explanation. You decide! Once you’ve finished, you can move to step 4.

Language Discovery

Look at the phrases in blue in the text in step 1. What do they have in common?

• They are all in the present continuous

Look at the phrases in green in the text on step 1. What do they have in common?

• They are all in the present simple

Present Simple

• We use the present simple to talk about:
  • things we do regularly (routines).
  • things which are generally true.
  • things that always happen.

• He, she, and it add an -s at the end of the verb (some verbs add more than just an -s – see reference at the end)

• Use the present simple with adverbs of frequency (always, often, sometimes, usually, hardly ever, never).
  • These adverbs go before the main verb but after the verb be:
    • They often play tennis together
    • I am often tired at 10 p.m.

• Expressions of frequency (every day, once a week, etc.) usually go at the end of a sentence
  • They play tennis twice a week

Present Continuous

• We use the present continuous:
  • For things happening at the moment.
  • For temporary situations.
  • To describe a picture.

Present Simple or Continuous

We generally use verbs that describe states or feelings, e.g. want, need, love, in the present simple, not continuous.

• I love Chinese food
• I’m loving chinese food

Conclusión

Ready? Terrific! Let’s move on to step 4 to practise what you’ve learnt in this step.