#1  
Old 18-Jun-2006, 20:27
Newbie
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 3
Default Present tense forms - easy explanations

Dear All,

grateful for help on explaining to a would-be TEFL teacher how best to explain the difference in function between I sit down and i am sitting down (for example) - if this is the wrong place for this thread I do apologise.

Kerry
  #2  
Old 19-Jun-2006, 05:36
Editor, UsingEnglish.com
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 34,359
Home Country: UK
Native Language: British English
Current Location: Philippines
Member Type: English Teacher
Default Re: Present tense forms - easy explanations

I am sitting down- this could be used for the moment the person is lowering themselves into the chair or for when they are on/in it.
I sit down- doesn't refer to now, but to an action that is repeated- I sit down at 9am, turn on my computer = habit/routine
  #3  
Old 22-Jun-2006, 20:14
Newbie
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 17
Default Re: Present tense forms - easy explanations

I like to apply these two functions using schedules and roll calls. For present tense (statements of routine), schedules are a great fit. Students can discuss what they or famous people do at certain times of the day. For present continuous (the "now" tense), I like to use a roll call. Instead of calling at the names of your students, though, I call out the names of people who aren't there:
Teacher: Is Madonna here?
Student: No, she isn't. She is ______ing now.
Closed Thread

Bookmarks

Tags
present, tense, forms, easy, explanations


Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
i need urgent help nita Ask a Teacher 5 11-Sep-2009 13:13
present perfect tense & present perfect continuous tense *zaizai~love* Ask a Teacher 5 30-Oct-2008 22:06
about present continuos tense and simple present tense Anonymous Ask a Teacher 2 24-Sep-2006 19:07
present perfect tense Anonymous Ask a Teacher 5 15-Jul-2004 17:12
IF Anonymous Ask a Teacher 7 04-Mar-2004 00:49


All times are GMT. The time now is 20:20.



Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO ©2011, Crawlability, Inc.