UNIT SUMMARY

Forms of the Present Continuous (With Action Verbs Only)

AffirmAtive StAtement negAtive StAtement Yes/no QueStion Short AnSwer Wh- QueStion Subject Wh- QueStion I’m watching a video about lemurs. You’re not watching the video. Is Steve Boyes rescuing birds? Yes, he is. What birds is he rescuing? Who is studying lemurs? The baby lemurs are playing. That lemur isn’t gaining weight. Are you studying birds? No, I’m not. Why is Steve Boyes rescuing birds? How many scientists are studying lemurs?

Uses of the Present Continuous (With Action Verbs Only)

USE EXAMPLES For actions that are happening at this moment She is watching a program on TV now. The program is explaining climate change.

For longer actions that are in progress at this general time The planet is warming. I am studying science this semester.

Uses of the Simple Present

USE For general truths

For regular activities, habits, and customs

With nonaction verbs

EXAMPLES Lemurs live in Madagascar. Some birds fly south for the winter. I sometimes watch nature programs on TV. People often train pet parrots to talk. I know more about birds now. We need to protect the planet.

Action and Nonaction Verbs

ACTION The ice is melting. I am thinking about the environment. We’re looking at a book about birds. You’re studying science.

NONACTION The planet has problems. I think that climate change is a big problem. Those birds look beautiful. You know a lot about nature.