Lesson 1 - Grammar - MY FAMILY - Page3
Now imagine another situation in which Anna continues her research and read Dialogues 2-4.
 It’s 6 pm. Anna’s calling her neighbours to find out how their kids are spending the afternoon. Here are some bits of her telephone conversations. |
DIALOGUE 2 A: What are your kids doing now? B: Well, let’s see. I hope they’re doing their homework. Oh, no! They’re watching TV! A: Do they often watch TV in the afternoon? B: I’m afraid they do.
A: Are your kids playing computer games now? B: Yes, I’m sure they are. A: Do they always play computer games in the afternoon? B: Johnny does, but Katie often helps with the housework.
A: Is your daughter cooking now? B: No, not at the moment, but she frequently cooks for us. A: Does she ever do the shopping? B: No, she only makes shopping lists! |
Look at Anna’s questions in Dialogues 2-4. Some of them are in the simple present (Do they often watch TV?) but some are in the present continuous. Can you see why? Complete the following rules.
Use the simple present (I do) for
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actions that happen repeatedly.
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actions that are happening now.
The simple present tense is also used for something that is true in general, for example:
- Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
- It doesn’t rain much in summer.
- The sun rises in the east.
Use the present continuous (I’m doing) for
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actions that happen repeatedly.
-
actions that are happening now.
The present continuous is also used for something happening in a period around now, not at the moment of speaking, for example:
- I’m working this week.
- I’m doing housework today.
- Josh is studying a lot this week.
