Present and Past continuous

Hi there!

"How is it going, guys?" Good sentence as starting point for this lesson. Probably, some of the tenses most frequently used are the present or the past continuous. Its utility for people who want to learn English is evident. Before we start, we have to take some things into account:

-WHEN does one need to use the continuous form? We use it when the person is doing an action and telling it at the same time. In other words, it is used to tell or express an idea that is happening now or a idea that was happening in the past. We characterize it progressively.

-WHAT do we need to know before learning past and present continuous? We need to have the formula clear: to be+verb form+(added) ing. (gerund).

-HOW? Let's refresh our minds:

Present-tense                                                                Past-tense:

I am                                                                                 I was

You are                                                                           You were

He/She/it is                                                                     He/She/It was

We are                                                                            We were

You are                                                                           You were

They are                                                                          You were

                       +

Gerund verbs are the plain form plus -ing, for example: playing, singing, eating... etc.

So, when joining these two tools, we can create some examples in present and past tense:

PRESENT CONTINUOUS --> I am learning English now. He is learning English now. 

PAST CONTINUOUS --> I was learning English yesterday. You were learning English yesterday.

The negation and interrogative form are quite easy to use:

NEGATIVE; In the negative form, we need the negation word "not" between the verb "be" conjugated and the gerund, for example: I am not learning now. (I hope you do! ;) ).

INTERROGATIVE: For the interrogative form, we need an auxiliary verb at the beginning of the sentence: verb+personal pronoun+gerund. For example: Are you understanding this?

Now you have learnt the present and past continuous, you should practice. I let you here an exercise. In this picture, you find The Simpson family having a great time! Using the present and past continuous, say what are they doing. The answers will be posted as a commentary in this entry. Enjoy and remember, doubt, questions, comments, just say it! :)

Gloria.