GRAMMAR 4 PRESENT TIME (2) FIRST CERTIFICATE LANGUAGE PRACTICE

 

FIRST CERTIFICATE LANGUAGE PRACTICE

GRAMMAR 4

PRESENT TIME

Present simple

Facts which are always true The present simple is used to describe permanent facts, for example in science and geographical descriptions. The light from the sun takes 8 minutes and 20 seconds to reach the Earth. The River Po flows into the Adriatic Sea The present simple is also used for situations that are generally true. I work in an office and live in a flat in the suburbs

Habitual actions The present simple is used to describe habits and routines. A frequently adverb is often used. I usually take the bus to work

Summary of events The present simple can be used to make a summary of the events in a narrative, for example in a film or book. It can also be used for a table of historical events. In Chapter 1, Susan meets David, and agrees to go to the school dance with him. In 1789, the French Revolution begins,

 

Present continuous

Actions which are in progress now The present continuous is used to describe actions which are temporary and not yet finished. I’m doing the washing-up The action may be happening right now, or around now. I’m reading one of he Harry Potter books at the moment

Habits during a temporary situation The present continuous can describe a habit that happens over a short period of time. A time expression is necessary. At the moment we’re sending all the mail by courier, because the Post Office in on strike.

A repeated temporary action The present continuous can describe a single action that is repeated. A time expression is necessary. Whenever I see Tom he’s smoking. You’re making the same mistakes again! In examples like this we are often exaggerating or complaining. This is particularly true when we use always. You’re always borrowing money from me!

 

Problems with simple and continuous

Some verbs are not normally used in the continuous form, because they describe activities which are already extend in time. These are called ‘state’ verbs. be, believe, cost, depend, have, hear, know, matter, smell, suppose, taste, think, understand

Some of the verbs can be used in continuous forms with a change of meaning. Tim is being rather difficult at the moment. (behave) I’m having breakfast. (eat) I’m tasting the soup, to check if it needs more salt. (sample) I’m thinking of buying a new car. (consider)

Other verbs with change of meaning: I see what you mean (understand) Jane is seeing Brian a lot at the moment. (meet, go out with)

In many situations we can use either a simple or continuous form. The simple form is for a permanent situation or general habit, the continuous form is for a temporary situation. I live in London. (it’s my permanent home) I’m living in London. (just for a year-my home is London) Do you sleep a lot? (It is your habit?) Are you sleeping enough? (What is happening at the moment)

3 Decide whether the verb form in italics refers to present or future time.

1	Where are you staying on Saturday night? ___ future _____
2	The director retires at the end of next year ________________
3	What are we doing when the guests arrive? ________________
4	I’m trying really hard to understand this book________________
5	Wait for me here until I get back________________
6	Sue is leaving in the morning________________
7	I’m waiting for the bus________________
8	I’m off now and I’m taking the car________________
9	They’re showing a Woody Allen film on Channel 4 tonight________________
10	I’m going for a walk this evening________________

4. Write each verb in the -ing form, then complete the spelling rules below.

write _____writing ____	swim______________	get______________
admit ______________	annoy______________	begin______________
study______________	like______________	try______________
decide______________

1	If a word ends in vowel + consonant + -e (write) ___________________
2	If a word ends in vowel + consonant (swim) ___________________
3	Words which end in -y (try, annoy) ___________________

5. Rewrite each sentence. Use a verb from the box to replace the words in italics.

be	cost	feel	have	see
smell	taste	have	think of	have

 

1	This flower has a wonderful perfume. ___ This flower smells wonderful ________
2	I think you are behaving in a very silly way. _______________________________________________________________
3	She is expecting a baby in the summer. _______________________________________________________________
4	Nancy is considering moving to Scotland. _______________________________________________________________
5	Don’t go in. They are holding a meeting _______________________________________________________________
6	I am meeting Janet this evening actually. _______________________________________________________________
7	Good clothes are becoming more and more expensive. _______________________________________________________________
8	I am trying the soup to see if it needs more salt. _______________________________________________________________
9	Helen is taking a bath at the moment. _______________________________________________________________
10	I think that you would be happier in another job. _______________________________________________________________

 

ANSWERS

 

3 1future. 2 future. 3 future. 4 present. 5 future. 6 future. 7 present. 8 present. 9 future. 10 future.

 

4 Writing, swimming, getting admitting,annoying, beginning, studying, liking, trying, deciding. 1 drop the e and add -ing: writing. 2 double the consonant and add -ing: swimming. 3 add – ing: trying, annoying.

 

5 1 This flower swells wonderful. 2 I think you are being very silly. 3 She is having a body in the summer. 4 Nancy is thinking of moving to Scotland. 5 Don't go in. They are having a meeting. 6 I am seeing Janet this evening actually. 7 Good clothes cost more and more. 8 I am tasting the soup to see if it needs more salt. 9 Helen is having a bath at the moment. 10 I feel that you would be happier in another job.