PRESENT SIMPLE and PRESENT CONTINUOUS | the complete grammar guide

Summary

In this lesson, Arnell teaches the nuances of the present simple and present continuous tenses, which can also refer to the future and past. She explains the basic formations, uses for facts, habits, routines, and temporary actions. Arnell covers negative and question forms, emphasizing when not to use present continuous with stative verbs. The lesson distinguishes between the tenses for scheduled events and arrangements, and even touches on their occasional use in past narratives to enhance storytelling. The video is a comprehensive guide for English learners to master these tenses.

Takeaways

• 😀 The present simple and present continuous tenses can be used to describe the present, future, and even the past.
• 📚 The present simple is formed using the base verb and is used for facts, habits, routines, and permanent situations.
• 🏋️‍♂️ The present continuous is formed using 'be' + verb-ing and is used for actions happening now or in the general present period.
• 🚫 The present continuous is not used for permanent situations; instead, the present simple is used.
• ❗ For negative sentences in present simple, 'not' is added after 'be' verbs, and 'do not' or 'does not' is used with other verbs.
• ❓ Questions in present simple are formed by placing 'be' before the subject or 'do'/'does' before the subject and the base verb.
• 🚫 In present continuous, 'not' is added after 'be' and 'ing' form, and questions are formed by placing 'be' before the subject and 'ing' form.
• 📅 The present simple is used for fixed scheduled events like transportation times and appointments.
• 🗓 The present continuous is used for future arrangements when the time, date, and details are organized.
• 🙅‍♀️ Stative verbs, which express emotions and thoughts, are not used in continuous tenses; instead, present simple is used.
• 🗣️ Present continuous can be used with adverbs like 'always', 'constantly', and 'forever' to emphasize complaints in an informal context.

Q & A

What are the two tenses discussed in the video and how are they special?

The two tenses discussed are the present simple and present continuous. They are special because they can be used to talk about the present, future, and even the past.

How is the present simple formed and what is its basic usage?

The present simple is formed using the base verb (e.g., play, eat, smile, go). It is used for things that never change, such as facts, habits, routines, and permanent situations.

What is the structure of the present continuous and when is it used?

The present continuous is formed using the 'be' verb (am, is, are) plus the '-ing' form of the main verb (e.g., playing, eating, smiling, going). It is used for actions happening now or in the general present period, temporary situations, or when describing a picture.

How do you form negative sentences in the present simple and present continuous?

In the present simple, add 'not' after the 'be' verb for negatives, or use 'do not'/'does not' plus the base verb. In the present continuous, use 'am not', 'is not', 'are not', or contractions like 'aren't' before the '-ing' form of the verb.

How are questions formed in the present simple and present continuous?

In the present simple, start with the 'be' verb followed by the subject for questions. For other verbs, use 'do' or 'does' plus the subject. In the present continuous, start with 'am I', 'is he/she/it', 'are we/you/they' followed by the '-ing' form of the verb.

Why is the present continuous used with adverbs like 'always', 'constantly', and 'forever'?

The present continuous with adverbs like 'always', 'constantly', and 'forever' is used to emphasize complaints in an informal context.

What are stative verbs and why are they not used in continuous tenses?

Stative verbs express emotions, thoughts, or states of being (e.g., know, like, believe). They are not used in continuous tenses because they represent unchanging states rather than actions in progress.

How is the present simple used to talk about the future?

The present simple is used for fixed, scheduled events in the future, such as transportation times, store opening hours, movie schedules, and appointments.

What is the difference between using the present simple and present continuous for future events?

The present simple is used for fixed, scheduled events that cannot be changed, while the present continuous is used for arrangements that have been planned, like meeting someone at a specific time and place.

Can the present simple and present continuous be used to talk about the past?

Yes, the present simple and present continuous can be used to narrate past events to make the story more vivid and pull the listener into the moment.

What is the main tip given in the video about using 'appointment'?

The main tip is not to use 'appointment' for events with family or friends; instead, use verbs like 'meeting'. Reserve 'appointment' for services like doctor's or dental appointments.