THE FLATMATES

Language point:
Present forms
BBC Learning English The Flatmates

The Flatmates - Language point Present forms

You can see this language point online at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/flatmates/episode13/languagepoint

We can use the present simple to talk about habits (things that we do regularly),
facts (things that are always true) or states (facts that are true for a long time).

We can use the present continuous to talk about an activity that's happening now,
(or around now) or to talk about planned future arrangements.

Present Simple:
Habits:
We give Helen the rent every month.
She sends the cheque to the landlord.

Facts:
The sun rises in the east.
Brasilia is the capital of Brazil.

States:
They live in a flat together.
Alice doesn't work in a factory.

Present simple form:

I/You/We/They go to the office by bike.
He/She/It likes swimming

Present Continuous:
Happening now:
I'm just putting the kettle on.
They're watching TV.

Planned future arrangements:

Helen's studying later tonight.
I'm playing football with my friends on Saturday.

Present continuous form:

Verb to be + verb + ing
I am waiting for you
You/We/They are studying
He/She/It is chatting

The Flatmates BBC Learning English

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BBC Learning English The Flatmates

Note: In spoken English we usually shorten "I am" to "I'm" , "You are" to "You're" etc.

Vocabulary:
To spill the beans (idiom): To tell a secret.

Whoa, easy tiger! (informal): Take it easy, calm down.

Thisll put a smile on your face: This will make you happy

No idea (informal, short for "I have no idea"): I don't know

Anyone fancy a cuppa (informal, short for: Does anyone fancy a cup of tea?):
Would anyone like a cup of tea?

Would you like to try an online quiz about this language point? Go to:
http://bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/flatmates/episode13/quiz.shtml

Or you can download the quiz from:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learning_english/flatmates/episode13/quiz.pdf

The Flatmates BBC Learning English

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