8 graders: Present Simple and Present Continuous

Read the following sentences:

Joana and Margarida are studying for tomorrow's test.

Maria usually leaves home at 7.30 in the morning, so that she arrives to school on time.


Do they mean the same? Explain the meaning of each sentence.


The first sentence refers to an action happening at the moment of speaking. Whereas the second sentence refers to an action which happens regularly.

Complete these sentences below:

I use Present Simple to talk about actions that __________________________.

I use Present Continuous to talk about actions which ______________________________.



Present Simple Tense

In the 3rd person singular you add -s or -es (if the verbs end with -o, -sh, -ch, -ss, -x);

To build the Interrogative or Negative you need the verb to do;

If the sentence has a 3rd person singular, the -es is glued to the verb to do and the main verb stays in the infinitive.

Expressions that normally appear with this verb tense:
usually, often, sometimes, regularly, rarely, never, every day/week/month/year


Aff.: She usually goes to the swimming pool on Friday.

Neg.: They lack of English vocabulary because they don't (do not) read.

Int.: Do you enjoy eating fish regularly?




Present Continuous Tense

It is compound by 2 verbs.

Formula:
am/ is/ are + verb + -ing form

Expressions that normally appear in the sentences are: Now, right now, at the moment

There are also the marks of direct speech "..." (inverted commas) which might indicate an action occurring at the moment of speaking.

Aff.: Todd is not here because he is still sleeping.

Neg.: They are not playing football right now. They are studying.

Int.: Sorry, am I interrupting? I need to talk to you.


YOUR TURN:

Try this one here.

And this one here.

If you have doubts, write them and ask in class or send by email.