The present continuous

§ 9. The formation of the Present Continuous.

1. The Present Continuous is formed by means of the Present Indefinite of the auxiliary verb to be and Participle I of the no­ tional verb. (On the formation of Participle I see Chapter VIII, §3.)

2. In the interrogative form the auxiliary verb is placed before the subject.

In the negative form the negative particle not is placed after the auxiliary verb.

Affirmative

1 am reading He is reading She is reading We are reading You are reading They are reading

Interrogative

Am I reading? Is he reading? Is she reading? Are we reading? Are you reading? Are they reading?

Negative

I am not reading He is not reading She is not reading We are not reading You are not reading They are not reading

3. The contracted affirmative forms are:

I'm reading She's reading We're reading

The contracted negative forms are:

She isn't reading We aren't reading

4. The negative-interrogative forms are:

Am I not reading? ( Is she not reading? \ Isn't she reading?

{Are you not reading? Aren't you reading?

The use ot the Present Continuous.

§ '": _e present Continuous is used to denote an action going on • • t moment It should be borne in mind that the term

The use ot the Present Continuous.

_e Present Continuous is used to den

has a

"resent moment. It should be borne in mind that the term ^a* ^ttlC/moment¹ is not limited to the actual moment of speaking. 'P.^reSn!.«pnt Continuous is used when in Russian we can say сейчас which refers not only to the moment of speaking, but wider meaning.

«Nlv dear," said Jolyon with gentle exasperation, "you are talk­ing nonsense." (Galsworthy) How is Dartie behaving now? (Galswothy) David Copperfteld is not to be got. The second-year students are reading it.

ы 4_e —The Present Indefinite, not the Present Continuous, is used to denote actions going on at the present moment when the fact is important and not the process.

He did such a mean thing and you defend him.

Why don't you read your examples?

Why do you look at me as if you had never seen me?

Why don't you answer? Good God, John, what has happened?

(Thackeray)

The Present Continuous can be used to denote a certain state or quality peculiar to the person at a given moment.

You are being a nuisance.

•You are being bitter," said Karen. (Heym)

2. When there are two actions one of which is in progress and the other is a habitual action, the first is expressed by the Present Continuous and the second by the Present Indefinite.

You never open your lips while you are painting. (Wilde) 1 never talk while 1 am working. (Wilde)

3. The Present Continuous is used to denote a future action mainly with such verbs as to go. to come, to leave. The future action is regarded as something fixed.

I'm leaving to-night. (Abrahams)

He is coming to us to-morrow to stop till next month. (Collins)

^e—However, in Modern English there are many other verbs which can be used in the Present Continuous Tense to denote a future action. Are we playing poker to-morrow? (Williams)

cess i P^resent Continuous is used to express a continual pro-^Jn this case the adverbs always, constantly, ever are used.

earth is always moving. sun is ever shining.

5. The Present Continuous is used to express an action oiM of as a continual process (with the adverbs always, ever, constant} The action is represented as going on without any interval.

She is always grumbling.

"She is constantly thinking of you," I said. (Wells)

The difference between case 4 and case 5 is as follows: what said in No. 4 is literally true, whereas in No. 5 there Is anelern&' of exaggeration, because the action in this case cannot go on щ\ out intervals. The exaggeration is generally called forth by emotion

Present Continuous

Стверджувальна форма	Питальна форма	Заперечна форма
I am working	Am I working?	I am not (I’m not) working
You are working	Are you working?	You are not (aren’t) working
He (she, it) is working	Is he (she, it) working?	He (she, it) is not (isn’t) working
We are working	Are we working?	We are not (aren’t) working
They are working	Are they working?	They are not (aren’t) working

now зараз, at the moment на даний момент, still все ще

We use the present continuous:

a) for actions taking place now, at the moment of speaking.

He is giving the baby a bath at the moment.

b) for temporary actions; that is actions that are going on around now, but not at the actual moment of speaking.

I'm looking for

я new job these days.

c)

to give instructions or directions (instead of the imperative).

You sprinkle some cheese on the pizza and then you bake it. (Instead of: Sprinkle some cheese on the pizza ...)

The present simple is used with the following time expressions: usually, often, always, etc., every day/ week/month/year, in the morning/afternoon/ evening, at night, at the weekend, on Mondays, etc.

(He is not looking for a job at the moment of speaking.)

with adverbs such as: always, constantly, continually, etc. for actions which happen very often, usually to express annoyance, irritation or anger.

a) I'm always meeting Sara -^ 1 ^^ when I go shopping.

(action which happens very often)

b) You're constantly interrupting me when I'm talking, (expressing annoyance/irritation)

d) for actions that we have already arranged to do in the near future, especially when the time and place have been decided.

They're moving into their new house next week. (The time has been decided.)

e) for changing or developing situations.

More and more species are becoming extinct.

The present continuous is used with the following time expressions: now, at the moment, at present, these days, still, nowadays, today, and tonight, etc.

Ex.

Read and translate the following sentences. Explain the use of the Present Progressive.

1. Family life is changing rapidly. 2. These days many people are complaining that life is too tough. 3.1 can't understand what he is talking about. 4. He is always coming up with new ideas. 5. Look here, Michael, I'm not being critical of you. 6. You're looking strange, Teddy. What's the matter? 7. You're looking so very healthy at the moment. 8. She scanned the scenery. "What I don't understand is why we're not seeing the river." 9. And so... Am I understanding this correctly? 10. I'm hoping I'll feel better by lunchtime. 11. Forgive me! I am being thoughtless. How is your son? 12. She is feeling dead guilty. Forgive her. 13. Maxim's jaw dropped, was unable to absorb the things he was hearing. 14. he being just a little bit unfair? 15.1 am only agreeing to this ridiculous decision of yours because there is nо other way out.

Ex. 9.

Give the form of Participle I of the following verbs and transcribe it.

to ask – to do – to have – to make – to stop – to sleep – to stay – to plough -

to try – to forbid – to limit – to defeat – to cancel – to compel – to see – to be -

to shine – to knock – to slip – to speak – to die – to spy – to travel – to hit -

to live – to leave – to tie – to expel – to give – to commit – to cry – to lie -

Ex. 10

Put each verb into the Present Progressive tense form.

1. George has gone to work in Spain. When he arrived, his Spanish wasn’t very good but now it (to improve). 2. Do you remember Mr.Cracker? He (to come) to tea today. 3. The world (to change). Things never stay the same. 4. The cost of living (to increase). Every year things are dearer. 5. The population of the world (to rise) very fast. 6. Norman comes from Hull, but he (to study) electronics in London. 7. The number of people without jobs (to fall) at the moment. 8. B.A.T. (to sell) the British retain chain, International Stores, to Dee Corp. for $430 million. 9. Ted Turner’s cable-TV company (to think) to buy ESPN, America’s largest cable channel. 10. These days the country’s economy (to recover) after a long recession. 11. The economic situation is already very bad and it (to get) worse. 12. Oh, darling, pay no attention to Mr. Wonka! He (lie) to you. 13. "I (starve), and my feet (kill) me. I (want) to have a rest," complained Grandma. 14. "Watch the road!" cried the policeman. "Something (happen) there." 15. — You (kid)? — No, I not (joke), sir. I'm dead serious. 16. Now, children, we (go) to the most wonderful place in the world. 17. You (think) of selling this house? I not (think) it's the right time to do it. 18. We still can't understand what he (talk) about. 19. She (show) the latest collection of new designs tonight. 20. Today in this country we (face) a lot of problems. 21. — Why you (cry), Nicky? — Can't you see I (cut) onions? 22. Listen, you and Eric (come) for Sunday's barbecue? 23. — You (feel) better, darling? — Yes, I (do) fine, thank you. 24. — Have you put the kettle on to boil? — It (whistle) already. 25. All the talk tonight is about the house which he (renovate). 26. We not (get) younger. 27. Make the tea, Jess, the kettle (screech) its head off. 28. Now clear off, I (read). 29. Hello, is that me you (look for)?

Ex.

Rachel is in the computer room at college. Complete her conversation with Andrew. Put in a present continuous form of the verb.

Andrew: What (►) are you doing ? (you / do)

Rachel: (►) I'm writing (I / write) a letter to a friend. He's a disc jockey. Vicky and I ^ (1) (try) to organize a disco.

Andrew: That sounds a lot of work. How (2) (you / find) time for your studies?

Rachel: Well, as I said, Vicky (3) (help) me.

(4) (we / get) on all right. (5) (we / not / spend)

too much time on it. (6) (it / not / take) me away from my studies,

don't worry about that. Oh, sorry, (7) (you / wait) for this computer?

Andrew: Yes, but there's no hurry.

Rachel: (8) (I / correct) the last bit of the letter. I've nearly finished.

Ex.

What can you say in these situations? Add a sentence with the present continuous.

► A friend rings you up in the middle of 'Neighbours', your favourite soap opera. Is it important? I'm watching 'Neighbours'.

1. A friend is at your flat and suggests going out, but you can see rain outside. I don't want to go out now. Look,

2. A friend rings you up at work. Sorry, I can't talk now.

3

You want to get off the bus, but the man next to you is sitting on your coat. Excuse me,

4 A friend wants to talk to you, but you have just started to write an important letter. Can I talk to you later?

5

You have been ill, but you're better now than you were. I'm OK now.

Ex.

Translate into English.

1. Когда я вдали от дома, то я с нетерпением жду (to long for) того дня, когда вернусь обратно. 2. «Мы об­суждаем тебя или меня?» — спросил он с улыбкой.

3. — И что же ты делаешь в Женеве? — Пишу пьесу.

4. Гораздо больше денег в том, что делаешь ты, чем в том, чем занимаюсь я. 5. Он постоянно говорит мне о своих чувствах! 6. Успокойся! Ты же всех раздража­ешь! 7. Он подумывает о том, чтобы эмигрировать. 8. Я знаю, что ты чувствуешь сейчас, мы все чувствуем то же самое. 9. — Они встречаются (to see) сегодня ве­чером. — Понимаю. 10. Посмотри, девушка на экране рекламирует новый шампунь. 11. — Все зависит от того, как он видит свое будущее. — Да, но он ничего не планирует. 12. — Взгляни, наш сосед опять бегает по утрам. — По-моему, он устанавливает новый рекорд. Он выглядит измученным. 13. Какие это у тебя духи (to wear perfume)? Они удивительные. 14. Он прекрас­ный человек. Но сегодня он просто невыносим. 15. — Твой английский становится все лучше и лучше. — Да, я занимаюсь с утра до ночи.

Ex. 228.

Use the right form of the verb in brackets (Present simple or the present continuous).

1. My aunt often (talk) to herself. Look, Grandpa (talk) to himself. 2.I never (drink) anything with my meals. What you (drink)? — Tonic water. 3. The days (get) longer from January to June. The days (get) longer now. 4. We (go) out a lot in the summer. 5. — What's that terrible noise? — My neighbour (drill) the wall. He (do) it every weekend. 6.I wonder if Kate is on a diet. She (get) thinner and thinner. 7. My house plants (grow) very slowly. 8. She can't come to the phone right now. She (wash) her hair. She (wash) it twice a week. 9. Many people (go) to church on Sundays. Hey, people! Where you (go)? 10. Unemployment (rise) at an alarming rate. Prices (rise) after economic crises. 11. Don't disturb him, he (work). 12. Your husband ever (work) at the weekends? 13. Come in, I not (sleep), 14. He always (come) at the wrong moments. 15. She constantly (talk)! 16. Why you always (chew) something?

Ex.

Replace the infinitives in brackets by the Present Indefi­nite or the Present Continuous.

1. Stop smoking! The room (to be) full of smoke which (to come) from your pipe. Usually nobody (to smoke) in here as mother can't stand it. 2. The woman who (to speak) with my sister in the yard (to be) our neighbour who (to live) across the street. 3. You (to ask) too much of me. I (to be) quite powerless to help you. 4. You (to hear) the speaker well? — Yes, I (to hear) him clearly. I (to listen) very attentively, but still I (not to under­stand) what he (to drive) at. 5. You (to go) in my direction? I can give you a lift. 6. It (to be) a very interesting scientific film. In it you can see how the grass (to grow) and the flowers (to unfold) their petals right before your eyes. 7. I (to look) at the barometer and (to see) that it (to fall). 8. Don't enter the study. Father (to work) there and he (not to like) to be disturbed. 9. You (to see) that woman in the corner? She (to have) her dessert now. As soon as she (to leave) we (to occupy) the table. 10. Where you (to hurry)? — I (to be) afraid to miss the 2.35. My friend (to come) with it.

Ex.

Give answers to the following questions using the Present Continuous or the Present Indefinite.

1. Where are you going this Sunday? — This Sunday... , but usually on Sundays... . 2. When is he coming to see us? — He . .. Friday night though most often.... 3. The delegation of French physicians is arriving by plane to-night, isn't it?— Yes, it ... at the Vnukovo Airport; foreign delegations, as a rule .... 4. When is the boat from Odessa coming? — It ... in half an hour, as it is late to-night, but regularly it ... at 8 sharp. 5. When is the night train for Leningrad leaving? — It ... in half an hour. It ... at 15.15 according to the time-table.

Ex

Translate into English using the Present Indefinite or the Present Continuous.

1. Дождь все еще идет. Я вижу дождевые капли на стекле. 2. Эти люди так пристально смотрят на вас. Вы их знаете? 2. Как называется журнал, который вы просматриваете? 4. Что-вы стоите в дверях? Проходите, мы как раз пьем чай; выпейте с нами чашку. 5. Мы приближаемся к морю. 6. Что ты слушаешь? — Я слушаю концерт из Колонного зала. 7. Этот человек, конечно, очень хорошо говорит по-английски, но мне трудно понимать его, так как он говорит очень быстро, а я знаю язык недостаточно хорошо. 8. Молодой рабочий, с которым разгова­ривает журналист, работает на 12 станках. Сейчас он, очевидно, рассказывает о своих методах. 9. Я не люблю таких людей, как он. Он всегда мечтает, но ничего не делает, чтобы осуществить свои мечты. 10. Позвони на вокзал, пожалуйста, и узнай, когда приходит поезд из Ростова. 11. Достаньте ваш билет. Контролер проверяет билеты. 12. Не шевелись, фотограф уже снимает тебя. 13. Вы ошиблись, вы передаете мне горчицу, а не перец. 14. Она всегда жалуется на своего сына, когда бы я ее ни встретил. 15. Вы говорите, что уезжаете скоро. Может быть вы побудете здесь, пока он не приедет. 16. Почему вы все время переключаете приемник с одной станцич на другую? Что вы хотите послушать? 17. Не входите в комнату, он проявляет пленки.

PRESENT CONTINUOUS EXPRESSING FUTURE

Ex. 11

Mary is going on holiday. You should write sentences about her holiday plans. Use the words in brackets to write your sentences.

Example: go/Scotland - Mary is going to Scotland.

1. go/with a friend of hers; 2. leave/next Friday; 3. go/by bus; 4. stay/in Scotland for two weeks; 5. visit/the Highlands; 6. stay/in a hotel; 7. attend/the Tattoo Festival in Edinburgh.

Ex. 12

Insert the construction to be going + infinitive. Translate the sentences into Ukrainian.

1. … you … to take part in the concert?

Certainly, I …

2. What … you … to sing?

I shall sing two folk songs.

3. Who … … to accompany you?

My friend Ann as usual.

4. Who else … … to sing or recite something at the concert?

Nick … … to recite a poem written by himself and our choir will sing some songs.

4. … they … to have a dance after a concert?

Of course, they …

4. … all your friends … to be present at the party? Certainly, they …

5. When will you come home? We … to dance till after midnight.

Ex. 13

These sentences refer to the future. Complete them with either to be going to or the Present Continuous, whichever is correct or more likely, using the verbs from the list below.

to answer to sit to teach to start to get to complain

to stop to meet to play to increase

1. I can’t go any further. I ……… on that bench for a while.

2. The game ……… at two o’clock tomorrow. I hope you can be there.

3. The service here is very slow. I ……… to the manager if we’re not served soon.

4. I have right to be heard, and no-one ……… me from putting my side of the argument.

5. The two leaders ……… for talks later this afternoon.

6. The bank has announced that it ……… its interest rates by one per cent from tomorrow.

7. Are you ……… my question or not?

8. I have to get up early tomorrow. I ……… a physics class at 8.00 in the morning.

9. Before I apply for the help, I ……… more information about it.

10. Brazil ……… Colombia in today’s final.

Ex. 14

These sentences refer to the future. Correct them where necessary (with either the Present Continuous or to be going to) or put a ☑ if they are already correct. Translate into Ukrainian.

1. Unless aid arrives within the next few days, thousands are starving.

2. There are going to be more of us at the picnic than we’d thought.

3. I’m tired. I’m going to go to bed.

4. ‘I can’t get to the match after all.’ ‘That’s a pity. Dave’s being very disappointed.

5. Clear the area! The bomb’s exploding.

6. In future, the company is going to be known as ‘Communications International’.

7. I’ve redecorated the bedroom. Do you think Jane is liking it when she gets home?

8. Whether we like it or not, within a few years biotechnology is transforming every aspect of human life.

9. It’s not a deep cut, but it’s leaving a scar.

10. He is going to inherit his father’s fortune.

11. Nina is going to go to Switzerland next week on business.

Ex. 15

Which of the two answers is wrong or very unlikely? What is the difference in meaning between the other two? Translate into Ukrainian.

1. She thinks ……… living away from home when he goes to University.

a) Dan will enjoy b) Dan is going to enjoy c) Dan is enjoying

2. I’m sorry, but I can’t come for dinner. ……… to York tonight.

a) I’ll drive b) I’m going to drive c) I’m driving

3. Did you know ……… a new car next week?

a) I’ll get b) I’m going to get c) I’m getting

4. - ‘I’m going out now, Mum.’

- ‘Well, I hope ……… home too late. Remember you’ve got to go to school tomorrow.’

a) you won’t get b) you aren’t going to get c) you aren’t getting

Ex. 16

Translate into English using the Present Continuous.

1. В нашому готелі немає вільних номерів, тому що у нас зараз проходить міжнародна конференція з проблем інвестицій. 2. Я не поїду відпочивати в наступному місяці в Іспанію, так як у мене мало грошей. 3. З кожним місяцем наше підприємство працює все краще і краще; з кожним місяцем ростуть і наші прибутки. 4. Невже компанія „Джонсон і Джонсон” збирається купити Мінфарм, збитковий завод медичних препаратів? 5. Завтра вранці Пітер летить у відрядження в Бостон. 6. Начальник відділу не може прийняти вас зараз – у нього в кабінеті дехто містер Грін. 7. Завтра до нас приходять з перевіркою ревізори. 8. – „Що це за бізнес, в який ви вкладаєте стільки грошей?” – „Це виробництво продуктів дитячого харчування, які ми плануємо продавати у фірмових магазинах. Крім того, ми збираємося зайнятися благочинністю.”

Ex. 17

Identify the tenses in bold, then match them with the correct description.

A I am helping Helen choose her wedding dress on Saturday. Do bats live in caves? Carl is always interrupting me. She often goes to the gym on Fridays. The evening performance starts at nine o’clock. Bill and Rob are repairing the cottage roof at the moment. The black car stops in front of the bank and three suspicious looking men get out of it. The rate of unemployment is decreasing slowly.

B timetable or programme fixed arrangement in the near future repeated or habitual action general truth or law of nature expressing annoyance about a frequently repeated action action happening at or around the moment of speaking changing or developing situation h. sports commentary, review or narration

Ex. 18

Underline the correct tense.

1. More and more people move/are moving to the countryside these days. 2. Sheila works/is working as a costume designer for the local theatre company. 3. Computec holds/is holding a five-day seminar on computers for all its employees next week. 4. Lauren doesn’t leave/isn’t leaving her house before 9 o’clock in the morning. 5. No wonder the phone bills are so high! You always talk/are always talking on the phone! 6. I don’t teach/am not teaching in the evenings at present. 7. Do amphibians live/Are amphibians living both on land and in water? 8. I never go/am never going to that restaurant again! The food was horrible! 9. They prefer/are preferring to go on holiday in spring when the resorts are less crowded. 10. Chris and Helen are having/have a garden party on Sunday afternoon.

Ex. 19

Replace the infinitives in brackets by the Present Indefinite or the Present Continuous.

A.

1. Stop smoking! The room (to be) full of smoke which (to come) from your pipe. Usually nobody (to smoke) in here as mother can’t stand it. 2. The woman who (to speak) with my sister in the yard (to be) our neighbour who (to live) across the street. 3. You (to ask) too much of me. I (to be) quite powerless to help you. 4. You (to hear) the speaker well? – Yes, I (to hear) him clearly. I (to listen) very attentively, but still I (not to understand) what he (to drive) at. 5. You (to go) in my direction? I can give you a lift. 6. It (to be) a very interesting scientific film. In it you can see how the grass (to grow) and the flowers (to unfold) their petals right before your eyes. 7. I (to look) at the barometer and (to see) that it (to fall). 8. Don’t enter the study. Father (to work) there and he (not to like) to be disturbed. 9. You (to see) that woman in the corner? She (to have) her dessert now. As soon as she (to leave) we (to occupy) the table. 10. Where you (to hurry)? – I (to be) afraid to miss the 2.35. My friend (to come) with it.

B.

1. “Miss Dale (to wait) in the hall,” said Vernon. 2. …The old saying came back to him: “A man’s fate (to lie) in his own heart”. 3. “I admit we move freely in two directions. But how about up and down? Gravitation (to limit) us there”. 4. “It (to get) windy,” Davy said in his quiet, solemn way. 5. “I’ll come down when I (to be) ready,” I called. 6. “What you (do)?” – She looked over my shoulder. 7. In England salmon fishing (to open) in January of in February and (to continue) until the end of October. 8. I shall take off the veil if I (to get) too hot. 9. “The man (to be) drunk,” he said quietly. “He (not to know) what he (to say).” 10. The earth (to rotate) on its axe. 11. Fletcher (to pass) to Coles who (to shoot) just over the bar. United (to attack) much more in this half… 12. A man (to come) home late one night after the office Christmas party. His wife (to wait) for him, and she (to say) to him … 13. Now that the rice (to cook) you (to chop up) the carrots and tomatoes and you (to put) them in a dish …

Ex. 20.

Fill in the gaps below with the Present Indefinite or the Present Continuous form of the verbs in the list, as in the example.

Be (x2), leave, seem, know, wait, write, fly, grow up, have, make, hope, need, work, attend, come back, look forward

Dear Marianne,

How 1) are you? I 2) ……………… to tell you our great news.

As you 3) ……………… , Brad 4) ……………… for an international media company. Well, he was offered the opportunity of a lifetime last week – to live and work in Madrid for two years. He 5) ……………… tomorrow for sunny Spain to look for a flat for us. He 6) ……………… at noon so I 7) ……………… a long list of the things he 8) ……………… to consider before choosing a flat.

We 9) ……………… so many things to do when he 10) ……………… . We 11) ……………… Sally’s wedding in May and we have to pack all our things. I 12) ……………… to it so much, I can hardly wait.

Jack and Katie 13) ……………… fine. They 14) ……………… so quickly that it 15) ……………… like only yesterday they were babies.

Well, the kids 16) ……………… for me to make their lunch so I’d better go. I 17) ……………… you’re all fine. We’ll see you at Sally’s wedding.

Love, Fiona

Ex. 20.

Complete the sentences with the correct tenses (the Pr. Simple or the Pr. Progressive):

1. How do you start work on a film? I (read) the script and (make) notes. 2. I (make) notes of our interview. I hope you don’t mind. 3. What language (you speak)? English, French and Spanish. 4. I’m glad we (do) this interview in English. My French isn’t very good. 5. Who (play) that guitar? My son, when he has time. 6. Who (play) the piano upstairs? My sister. She’s got a concert tomorrow. 7. What (she play)? I think it’s a piece by Mozart. 8. (She play) anything else? The violin. She’s very musical. 9. Your daughter’s very keen on sport, isn’t she. She (play) tennis. 10. Where’s she now? She (play) tennis, as usual. 11. What’s that delicious smell? My husband (cook). 12. Is that unusual? Yes, normally I (shop) and my husband (cook). 13. What a lovely clock! It (not work), I’m afraid – it’s been broken for years. 14. Could I use your phone? I’m afraid it (not work) at the moment. 15. The climate (get) warmer. 16. I (have) a great time. 17. She (have) plenty of money just now. 18. He (appear) at the Fortune Theatre next week. 19. She (appear) to have a problem. 20. Why you (look) at me like that? 21. It (look) as if it’s going to rain. 22. I (see) what you are trying to say. 23. I (see) the manager this afternoon. 24. I (think) you’re right. 25. What you (think) about? 26. I (feel) very tired today. 27. I (feel) she’s making a mistake. 28. When Alice comes, I always (meet) her at the station. 29. I always (meet) Alan in the supermarket.

Ex. 21

Suggest the correct verb form (the Present Simple or the Present Continuous) to complete each sentence:

1. Even though Sarah says she’s feeling better, I think she still (lose) weight.

2. Frank (collect) stamps in his spare time. It’s his hobby.

3. The airline currently (sell) half-priced tickets to Japan, but for one month only.

4. My mother (lock) all the doors and windows before she goes to bed.

5. Because of the present threat of war, the best qualified people (leave) the country.

6. Both ancient and recent records show that farmers (work) long hours.

7. She has an important project to finish by the next week, so she (work) in the evening at present.

8. Philip is an excellent linguist. He (speak) six language fluently.

9. “How are you getting on with the book?” “At the moment I (read) chapter four.