1. We use the present tense to talk about things that are generally true or that happen repeatedly.
So, we use the present tense to talk about facts and general truths.
- The sun is hot.
- He speaks English.
- Over 300 million people live in America.
- Is Belgium in Europe?
- Do you work here?
- What does this machine do?
- I go to the gym every Saturday.
- She works every day.
- I visit my family once a month.
- He never smokes.
- She always eats dinner along.
- Sometimes, we go hiking on the weekend.
- Do you usually work on Saturday?
- What do you usually do on the weekend?
Remember that we form the present continuous using "be verb + present participle". The present participle is "verb + ing".
- I am writing an English lesson.
- You are reading an English lesson.
- She is walking.
- He is reading.
- Is Mary sleeping?
- What are you doing?
- He is an engineer.
He is being an engineer.- Mary is sick.
Mary is being sick.- Judy is at the store.
Judy is being at the store.
- He is being crazy these days.
- She is being nice lately.
- I live in Seoul.
- I am living in Seoul.
- She works at that company.
- She is working at that company.
- Where does she work?
- Where is she working?
- I live in America.
- I am living in Germany for a couple months.
- I work here.
- I am working here until next year.
4. There is a special expression that we should know. We can use this sentence pattern to show a bad habit.
Subject + be verb + always + present participle…
- He is always losing his keys.
- She is always watching TV.
- They are always getting into trouble.
like | love | hate | want |
need | know | realize | suppose |
contain | seem | consist | believe |
remember | understand | belong | fit |
I am needing some money.- I need some money.
She is wanting a puppy.- She wants a puppy.
She is liking you.- She likes you.
I am understanding.- I am starting to understand.
It is containing 5 different kinds of chocolate.- It contains 5 different kinds of chocolate.
Use the present continuous to talk about what is happening right now.
- I am watching TV now.
- She is talking on the phone at the moment.
- I usually work late on Monday.
- She lives here.
- He always works hard.
- He is a doctor.
He is being a doctor.- She is tired.
She is being tired.- I am at the library.
I am being at the library.