Present continuous: uses, form, and examples
Choose the present continuous when you want to describe something in progress or temporary. Use am, is, or are before the verb ending in -ing.
English for work and meetings
Practice expressions used to talk about work, projects and other people. Try each recording before opening the explanation.
Sign in to save phrases and report a problem
Present simple and present continuous: routines and actions now
Use the present simple for routines and general facts. Use am, is, or are plus a verb ending in -ing for an action in progress now or a temporary situation.
Present simple: uses, form, and examples
Use the present simple for routines, repeated actions, general facts, states, and fixed schedules. With he, she, and it, most affirmative verbs add -s or -es. Use do or does for most questions and negatives.
Pronouns exercise 3: avoid common pronoun mistakes
Use subject pronouns such as I, he, she, we, and they for the person or thing doing the verb. Use object pronouns such as me, him, her, us, and them after a verb or preposition. Use my, your, his, her, our, and their before a noun, and use myself, yourself, himself, herself, ourselves, or themselves only when the action returns to the subject or when emphasis is intended.
Question word order: form clear English questions
For many present and past questions, use a question word, then do, does, or did, then the subject and base verb: Where do you live? What did she buy? With be or can, move that verb before the subject: Are they busy? Can he drive?
See or watch: noticing something and giving it attention
Use see for noticing something, meeting someone, or experiencing a film, show, or event. Use watch when you intentionally look at something for a period of time, especially something moving or changing.
Short answers: agree, disagree, and respond naturally
Use the same helping verb or modal from the question, with the right pronoun. Answer Do you like coffee? with Yes, I do or No, I don't. Answer Can Maya come? with Yes, she can or No, she can't.
Simple present tense exercise 1: describe routines and facts
Use the simple present for routines, repeated actions, schedules, and general facts. With he, she, and it, add -s or -es to most affirmative verbs.
Simple present tense exercise 2: use routines and facts correctly
Use the simple present for habits, schedules, and facts. Add -s or -es after he, she, and it in affirmative sentences; use do or does plus the base verb in negatives and questions.
Simple present tense exercise: routines, facts, and questions
Use the simple present for something that happens regularly or is true in general. Write I work and they work, but he works, she works, and it works. Use do or does for most questions and negatives.
Subject pronouns: I, you, he, she, it, we, and they
Use I, you, he, she, it, we, or they before a verb for the person or thing doing the action. Choose the form that matches one person, a group, or a thing.
There is and there are: introduce people and things
Use there is with a singular or uncountable noun. Use there are with a plural noun. Put the place after the noun when you want to say where the person or thing is.