In this lesson we’re looking at the general rule between simple and continuous tenses, and looking at correcting mistakes when you’re writing texts in English.
Have fun with the lesson, and don’t forget to try the quizzes.
– James.
Lesson Contents
Simple and continuous tenses: the general rules
- Simple verb forms see actions as a complete whole:
He lives in China.
It snowed on the weekend.
She’s lost her dog.
- Continuous verb forms see actions in progress, with a beginning and an end:
I’m living with my brother for a while.
It was snowing when I woke up.
The company has been losing money for a long time.
- State verbs are not usually used in continuous forms:
I know this song.
I’ve always disliked ice-cream.
She doesn’t believe you.
Verbs that can be used in continuous forms are called action verbs.
Read the sentences and decide if the underlined verbs are action verbs (they CAN be used in continuous tenses) or state verbs (they CAN’T be used in continuous tenses).
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| Pos. | Name | Entered on | Points | Result |
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- Current
- Review
- Answered
- Correct
- Incorrect
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Question 1 of 8
1. Question
I understand what you mean.
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Question 2 of 8
2. Question
Did you believe her?
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Question 3 of 8
3. Question
I didn't know that.
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Question 4 of 8
4. Question
She is unhappy with her job.
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Question 5 of 8
5. Question
Does this belong to you?
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Question 6 of 8
6. Question
I walk every evening.
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Question 7 of 8
7. Question
They go to the cinema.
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Question 8 of 8
8. Question
They take headache pills when they feel ill.
CorrectIncorrect
Match the halves of the sentences that are either simple or continuous.
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| Pos. | Name | Entered on | Points | Result |
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- Current
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Question 1 of 8
1. Question
Sort elements
- from Korea.
- around at three.
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>She comes
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She's coming
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Question 2 of 8
2. Question
Sort elements
- I sent it this afternoon.
- I'll finish it later.
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I wrote a mail this morning,
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I was writing a mail this morning,
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Question 3 of 8
3. Question
Sort elements
- when I was coming home.
- all night.
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I heard the dog bark
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I heard the dog barking
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Question 4 of 8
4. Question
Sort elements
- with my phone? I can't find it.
- since I saw you last?
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What have you done
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What have you been doing
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Question 5 of 8
5. Question
Sort elements
- a toothache all day.
- second thoughts about changing jobs.
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I've had
-
I've been having
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Question 6 of 8
6. Question
Sort elements
- her for years.
- my new colleague.
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I've known
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I've been getting to know
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Question 7 of 8
7. Question
Sort elements
- my hand. It hurts!
- wood all day.
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I've cut
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I've been cutting
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Question 8 of 8
8. Question
Sort elements
- every World Cup final since I was 12.
- a lot of documentaries recently.
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I've watched
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I've been watching
CorrectIncorrect
Correcting Mistakes
When you’re writing a mail or a message in English, it’s always a good idea to read it again before sending. When you’re doing that, look out for these mistakes. (I’ve added the symbols that I use when correcting texts):
WW – Wrong word
Sp – Spelling
T – Tense
Gr – Grammar
∧ – Missing word
P – Punctuation
Prep – Preposition
WO – Word order
/ – Unnecessary word
Now look at this mail, and notice the correction symbols:
Read the text and add correction symbols where they are needed.
WW Sp T Gr ^ P Prep WO /
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Question 1 of 1
1. Question
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Hi Tom,
I just thought I'd make you a quick mail and tell you how the hike is going.
The first months few were great. I'm not going to say they weren't difficult, but they were definitely rewarding. I got to meet some wonderful people, including this guy in Missouri who owns a pig farm. Dan, his name was. He let me stay at his place for three days, but I had to help him with the pogs . Quite the experience!
I'm in Arizona now, so I'm very close to the finish. It was really hot here, I'm glad I'm leaving soon! Only about two-hundred miles left to go, are you still meeting me in California
Can't wait to see you, let's go up to get a cold one when I get there!
Harry x
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