Present Continuous Tense

Present Indefinite Tense

FORM: verb + -s/-es (3^rd person singular – he, she, it, what? who?)

EXCEPTION: the verb TO BE (am/is/are)

AUXILIARY VERB: the verb TO DO (do, does)

Once a week, Tom cleans the car. [ Active ]

Once a week, the car is cleaned by Tom. [ Passive ]

USE:

repeated/ habitual actions (especially with frequency adverbs: often, usually, etc.)	I usually get up at 7.30. She always forgets her purse.
facts/ generalizations(the speaker believes the fact is true)	California is in the USA. New York is a small city. Dogs do not like milk.
proverbs/ sayings	East or West, home is best.
permanent situationsorstates/ daily routine	She works as a nurse. He owns a large shop.
permanent truthsorlaws of nature	Money doesn’t buy happiness. Water freezes at 0^°C. Water boils at 100 degrees.
timetables/ programmes/ scheduled event(future meaning)	The match finishes at 7.45. The plane leaves at 6.15. When does the lecture start?
reviews/ sports commentaries/ dramatic narrative	Sharon Stone acts brilliantly in this movie. Hill kicks the ball and passes it to Dawson.

Time expressions:

usually often sometimes always seldom

every day twice a week very often 4 times a month never

on Sundays at week-ends on one’s free days on week-days in winter

in the morning(s) hardly ever quite often rather seldom

Present Continuous Tense

FORM: to be (am/is/are) + verb + -ing

AUXILIARY VERB: the verb TO BE (am, is, are)

Right now, Tom is writing the letter. [ Active ]

Right now, the letter is being written by Tom. [ Passive ]

USE:

expresses the idea that something is happening now, at this very moment	Are you sleeping? They are reading their books. What are you doing?
actions happening at or around the moment of speaking	She is looking for a better job. I am studying to become a doctor. You are reading the book Tom Sawyer.
temporary situations	They are staying at the Park Hotel at the moment.
fixed arrangements in the near future	I am meeting some friends after work. I am not going to the party tonight. Is he visiting his parents next weekend?
changingordeveloping situations	His English is getting better.
repeated actions with “always”and“constantly”expressing annoyance,irritation or criticism	She is always coming to class late. He is constantly talking. I wish he would shut up. I don't like them because they are always complaining.

Time expressions:

now at the moment

at present nowadays

today tonight

still always

Дата добавления: 2015-07-20