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Section: 1.2: Present Tense – Simple and Continuous | ESL002: Intermediate English as a Second Language | Saylor Academy

  • 1.2: Present Tense – Simple and Continuous

    Now we know and can recognize different verb features. This is helpful to guide our choices when using verbs to best express our thoughts. We will continue by learning when and how to use verbs in the present. Standard English uses specific rules about the form and meaning of different present tense-aspect combinations, so it is important to know and follow them to communicate successfully.

    • 1.2.1: Present Tense – Let's Study

      The materials below include information about forming and using the simple present tense and continuous present tense in Standard English. After you read the explanations and watch the videos to learn about these four present tense-aspect combinations, you will be able to test your understanding by completing practice activities.

    • Now that we know how to form the simple present tense and present continuous tense in the affirmative, negative, and interrogative, let's look at how they are different from each other when using them in sentences.

    • Let's start by reviewing how to form the simple present tense and the present continuous tense in Standard English. Next, we will look at when to use each to correctly express our thoughts in a sentence.

    • 1.2.2: Present Tense – Let's Practice

      Now that we know how to choose between the simple present tense and present continuous tense to share our thoughts in English, let's put our knowledge into practice.

    • These activities give you the opportunity to find out how well you understand how to form and use the present simple and continuous tenses. If you have a difficult time forming and using verbs in the present, you may return to review the information above and then try these practice activities again.

    • 1.2.3: Present Tense – Let's Apply

      At the start of the course, you identified verb tense, aspect, and mood in a sentence. Now that you know more about the simple and continuous aspects of the present tense, you can use verbs more confidently to express your ideas in English.