Simple present/Present continuous

Here are some more ways we use the simple present:

1To give instructions/directions

First, you boil some water and then you add the noodles and cook them for three minutes.

When you exit the MTR station, cross King’s Road and go two blocks down.

2To make promises

I promise to be very careful with your digital camera. I swear never to let you down.

3To tell stories (for immediacy)

Then she goes to the door and opens it and the monster pops out! She finishes her homework and then the phone rings.

Here are some more ways we use the present continuous:

1To talk about ongoing changes

You are getting fatter and fatter.

He is becoming a responsible young man.

2To talk about repeated actions

That boy is kicking the back of my chair. The cat is scratching that sofa to pieces.

3To talk about background events in a story

Then she goes to the door and opens it and the monster is standing there! She is doing her homework and the phone rings.

Here are some differences in how we use the simple present and the present continuous:

Complete the sentences with the correct forms of the verbs in brackets. Use the simple present or the present continuous tense. (_____ /21 marks)

1My brother __________________________ (like) this CD very much.

2He __________________________ (travel) in China this summer.

3We __________________________ (go) to lunch now. Would you like to join us?

4We always __________________________ (visit) Grandma on Sundays.

5In this photo, we __________________________ (play) volleyball on the beach.

6I __________________________ (play) tennis every day.

7My father can’t come to the phone now. He __________________________ (take) a shower.

8My father __________________________ (work) as an accountant in a big company.

9I think this pen __________________________ (cost) HK$8.

10I can’t play online games now. My brother __________________________ (use) the computer to do his homework.

11 A: ______________ you ___________________ (do) your homework now?B: Yes, I __________________________.

12This photo was taken when I was three. My father __________________________ (carry) me on his shoulders.

13People ______________ always ___________________ (buy) new mobile phones.

14Can you see Anna? She __________________________ (stand) at the bus stop.

15______________ you still ___________________ (watch) TV?

16 A: ______________ they _________________ (go) to Ocean Park on Sunday?B: No, they __________________________.

17She often __________________________ (miss) class because of illness.

18 A: ______________ you _________________ (like) Kelly Chan’s songs?B: Yes, I ______________, but my brother _________________.

Date: 2016-03-03; view: 932