When to use the different tenses. Simple vs Continuous When to use the different tenses.

Take a look at the following sentences: When I met him, he was still looking for a job (past cont) I’m having a really hard time at the moment (present cont) I’ll be having lunch, so do not come to the office. (future cont) The continuous form can be in present, past, future.

Continuous Forms: when? Actions in progress (in present, past or future) eg. She’s working An activity which has recently stopped eg. It’s been raining. Temporary situations eg. I was staying with Mary back then. Emphasizing duration eg. I’ve been reading all morning. Annoying or repeated actions eg. You’re always forgetting your keys! Describing changes eg. The climate is getting warmer and warmer. Future arrangements. eg. I’m visitin the dentist at 5pm.

Simple Forms. When? Single/ completed actions eg. I’ve written my thesis. Routines eg. I live in Barcelona but I have lived in many other cities Timetables eg The train to Paris leaves at six thirty tomorrow State verbs eg. I understand your point but I don’t agree.

State Verbs (Simple) Appear Own Believe Remember Know Seem Like Understand Prefer Want

State verbs with double meaning (simple and Continuous) See = understand eg. I see what you mean Appear Expect fit Have Smell Think See = meet eg I’m seeing the dentist

Let’s practise! Shall we? http://www.agendaweb.org/verbs/present-continuous-advanced-level.html