Present Simple Vs Present continuous
The train always ________________ (leave) on time.
leaves
Which of these verbs is NOT stative?
- need
- belong
- watch
watch
Which of these 2 sentences is right?
We agree with your plan.
I am agreeing with the group decision.
agree = state verb
(I am agreeing... please no! "I am in agreement" would work)
Which of these 2 sentences is wrong?
1. I need to find a new job.
2. I am needing to find a new job.
2. I am needing to find a new job.
Always
present simple (habit)
Kate ____ (not/have) a car.
doesn't have
Which of these verbs is a stative verb?
- doubt
- work
- run
have
Which of these 2 sentences is right?
Turn on the TV, she is not studying now.
Teenagers nowadays aren't studying hard.
Turn on the TV, she is not studying now.
2nd one: use of phrase"nowadays" - present simple, "general truth"
Which of these 2 sentences is wrong?
1. I am not understanding this question.
2. I don't understand this question
1. I am not understanding this question
is wrong
currently
present continuous (action happening now or around now)
"What's the matter? Why ________________ (cry/you)?"
are you crying
Which of these verbs is not a stative verb?
- go
- think
- hear
go
Which of these 2 sentences is right?
This book belongs to the teacher.
This book is belonging to the teacher.
This book belongs to the teacher.
belong = state verb.
Also, general truth.
Which of these 2 sentences is wrong?
1. I know John from high school.
2. I am knowing John from high school.
2. I am knowing John from high school is wrong.
Seldom
present simple (habit)
Which of these 2 sentences is wrong? & why.
1. So, to get to the bus station, you're heading past the church and then you're taking a left.
2. So, to get to the bus station, you go past the church and then you take a left.
2. So, to get to the bus station, you go past the church and then you take a left.
Directions use present simple
He has a lot of money. He's having lunch.
Why can have be used in present simple or present continuous in these examples?
simple = stative use, possession
continuous = activity, action of eating
Which of these 2 sentences is right? (& why)
ENGLAND WINS THE WORLD CUP
Bellingham is crossing the ball to Harry Kane
ENGLAND WINS THE WORLD CUP - newspaper headlines usually use present simple
Live sports commentary too.
Which is wrong?
Right now, my job involves a lot of video conferences.
Right now, my job is involving a lot of video conferences.
involve = stative verb
present simple (general truths)
Nowadays, many people prefer to shop online.
1. It's ridiculous, my neighbours are always playing loud music late at night.
OR
2. It's ridiculous, my neighbours always play loud music late at night.
1. my neighbours are always playing loud music
We use "always" with present continuous to express annoyance at a repeated action.
(Always is often associated with present simple, but here is an exception)
Explain the difference between
I don’t see anything.
Tina is seeing a famous football player.
(sense of sight)
(activity - dating)
Which of these 2 sentences is right? (& why)
The early bird catches the worm
The early bird is catching the worm
The early bird catches the worm
"proverbs and sayings" (Sprichwörter) require present simple.
Which is wrong?
Everybody listen up! And that includes you too, Brian!
Everybody listen up! And that is including you too, Brian!
Everybody listen up! And that includes you too, Brian!
include = stative verb
*Everybody listen up! Including you, Brian!* would be correct. This is because it's no longer present continuous (note the absence of "is"(form of to be), but a participle phrase.
Explain.....
My dad is a comedian. He tells jokes for a living.
My Dad’s always telling cheesy jokes.
present simple with always - habits, general states e.g. jobs
present cont. with always - expressing annoyance 🙄 at a habit.