Tenses Go By The Clock

Let’s look a little closer at the present continuous tense from yesterday. If you ask most native speakers about the present continuous tense or how to form it, they will probably just have a blank stare because they will not know what you are talking about. Most native speakers do not learn about the use of this tense because they learn it naturally from minutes after their birth when they hear their first words. Native speakers have to study other grammar points, but they usually use the tenses quite naturally.

Now – look at the calendar, look at your watch and look around you. All of the things that are going on as I write will be written in the present continuous tense.

My sister is watching television while I’m writing this lesson.
My brother is driving to the store while I’m writing this lesson.
The birds are singing on the patio while I am writing this lesson.
The teacher is working at the school down the street right now.

Keep it simple. Remember – if another action is taking place while you are speaking or writing, write about that action using the present continuous tense.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com