The Verb Tense Training Series

Part 4 – Continuous Tenses

Objectives:

At the end of the discussion, you are expected to:

1. Give out the situations when we must use

the continuous tenses.

1. Come up with own example sentences.

2. Answer the exercises correctly.

The present continuous tense
The simple past tense and present perfect
tense are used in different ways.
1. actions happening now

Examples:
She is taking calls now.

I am writing an email.

2. actions that are still in progress, even if they are not happening at the very moment
Examples:

John is studying English.

They are working on a big project.

The present continuous tense

Note: The present continuous tense can also be used for

actions that you plan to do in the future. In this case, the future
time must be clearly given.

Examples:

I am visiting my friends tonight.

I am going out with my colleagues after work.

 
The past continuous tense
1.The past continuous tense is formed by: "was / were" + verb + "-ing."

Example:
I was writing a report when the customer called.

2. The past continuous tense is used to talk about a continuing action in

the past.

She was answering emails all day yesterday.

The past continuous tense
3. The past continuous tense is used to talk about a continuing action
that was interrupted by another event. (Note: The event that interrupts
the action is put in the simple past tense.)
Example:
They were dining at Ocean Restaurant when they saw Janine.

4. The past continuous tense is used to talk about a past action that
began before and finished after a specific time.
Example:
What were you doing at 1 p.m. yesterday? -- I was in a meeting with
the staff.
The past continuous tense

5. The past continuous tense is used to talk about two or more past
actions happening continuously at the same time. (Note: Both
actions are put in the past continuous tense.)

Example:

James was talking to the customer while Bernard was guiding him
as a mentor.
The future continuous tense
1. The future continuous tense is formed by combining: "will be" +
verb + "-ing" or "am/is/are going to be" + verb + "-ing.“

Examples:

He will be joining the company next month.

He is going to be joining the company next month.

 2. The future continuous tense is used for a future action that will be
continuously or regularly happening.

Examples:

Don't be late!  I will be waiting for you.

Starting next year, I will be flying to Singapore every month.

The future continuous tense
3. It is used for a future action that will be in progress when another
event happens.

Example:

I will be in a meeting when you arrive.  Please wait for me in the

reception area. 

4. It is used for a future action that will be in progress by a specific

future time.

Example:

At 6 pm next Monday, she is going to be closing the deal with the

client.
Assessment
Come up with an example sentence for each of the situations
below.

6. a past action that began before and

1. an action happening now.
finished after a specific time.
2. an action that is still in progress,
7. two or more actions happening
even if it is not happening at the
continuously at the same time.
very moment.
8. a future action that will be
3. an action you plan to do in the
continuously or regularly happening.
future.
9. an action that will be in progress with
4. a continuing action in the past.
another even happens.
5. a continuing action that was
10. a future action that will be in
interrupted by another action
progress by a specific future time.
Thank
you