Present Continuous Tense. Use #2: Longer Actions than in Progress Now “Now” means not only “this second”, but it can also mean “today”, “this week”, “this month”, “this century”, etc. We use the present continuous to express the process of doing a longer actions that is in progress. We should note, however, that the action…
Present Continuous Tense. Use #1: Something Happening Now We use the present continuous to express the idea that something is happening at this verb moment. Also to show that things are not happening at this very moment. Example: I’m drinking coffee.– Я пью кофе. Example: I’m not sleeping.– Я не сплю.
Present Simple Tense. Use #4: Now (Non-Continuous Verbs) Speakers sometimes use the present simple to express the idea that an action is happening or is not happening now. This can only be done with non-continuous verbs and certain mixed verbs. Pay attention to which verbs can be used in this way. Example: I am here now.- Сейчас…
Present Simple Tense. Use #3: Scheduled Events in the Near Future Speakers occasionally use present simple to talk about scheduled events in the near future. This is most commonly done when talking about public transportation, but it can be used with other scheduled events as well. It can be a little confusing to grasp that…
Present Simple Tense. Use #2: Facts or Generalisations The present simple can also indicate that the speaker believes that a fact was true in the past, in the present, and will be true in the future. We must remember that it is not important if the speaker is correct about the fact. The present simple…
Present Simple Tense. Use 1: Repeated Actions We use the present simple to express the idea that an action is repeated or usual. The action can be a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event, or something that often happens. It can also be something a person often forgets or usually does not…
Either/or and Neither/nor Either/or and neither/nor connect two balanced words, clauses or phrases. They are called correlative conjunctions. Singular or plural verb? When two singular subjects are connected by either/or or neither/nor, use a singular verb. Example: Either Sally or Peter is invited. Example: Neither Sally nor Peter is invited. If one of the subjects…
“The Reason Is Because” vs. “The Reason Is That” “The reason is that” not “The reason is because” Incorrect: The reason I am late is because I had a meeting. Correct: The reason I am late is that I had a meeting. Why? Because an adverbial clause (a word or group of words answering the question “How?” When?” “Where?”…
What’s the difference between “good” and “well”? “Good” is an adjective. This means it describes people, things and places, not verbs. These sentences are correct: Example: Sam is a good boy. Example: They live in a good house. Example: This is not a good place live in. These sentences are incorrect: Example: Sam behaves good. Example:…
How to Use “e.g.” and “i.e.” These two come from Latin and they are quite common in English writing. Here is a short explanation on what they mean and how to use them properly: e.g. It stands for the Latin phrase “exempli gratia”, which means “for example.” Example: Big cities, e.g. New York, London and…