The present continuous

Exercise 11.

Form Participle I from the following infinitives. Comment on the spelling changes.

Model. to sip – sipping	We double the final -P because it comes after the short stressed vowel.
to study – studying	We don’t change the final -Y before the ending -ING.

to traffic, to supply, to pay, to get, to refer, to sit, to say, to panic, to think, to see, to appear, to be, to lie, to control, to try, to tell, to do, to tie, to hope, to confer.

Exercise 12.

Model. He is writing a letter now.	He isn’t writing a letter now.
	Is he writing a letter now?
In the negative sentence we place the negative particle NOT after the auxiliary verb TO BE (is for the 3rd person singular).
In the interrogative sentence we place the auxiliary verb TO BE (is for the 3rd person singular) before the subject.

(a) Make the following sentences negative and interrogative. Comment on the way of forming.

1. We’re going to the movies tonight.

2. She’s washing her hair now.

3. He’s making a scene.

4. They are watching a talk show on telly.

5. She’s always telling everyone about her problems.

6. Summers are getting colder.

7. We’re doing Exercise 12 now.

8. The Earth is constantly moving.

9. They are role-playing the dialogue at the moment.

10. The corporation is opening a new office in Munich.

(b) Put questions to the words in bold type.

1. They’re discussing a new film.

2. She’s printing the contract.

3. He is constantly telling us about his ex.

4. They are writing the test on Monday.

5. I’m waiting for Ann.

6. My mum is talking on the phone now.

7. We’re living in Uman.

8. She’s learning a new dialogue.

9. She is constantly thinking about Robert.

10. His father is listening to the news.

(c) Ask all possible questions.

Our teacher is explaining the grammar rule to us.

Exercise 13.

Translate the following sentences into Ukrainian and comment on the use of the Present Continuous.

Model. He is writing a letter now.

Він пише листа зараз.

is writing is the form of the Present Continuous Active which denotes an action in progress at the present period of time.

1. High oil prices are proving to be a colossal burden for the developed world.

2. Indeed, when George Millington came by, he said, ‘What in God’s name are you doing?’

3. ‘I’m going back to the cabin, I must get some letters off for posting at Port Said,’ she said.

4. ‘I am not being disrespectful, but you can give me a six month sentence, or a year or two years and I will accept that,’ he told the judge.

5. Now, Wardak says, bin Laden is helping the Taliban get more and better arms from Iran, Iraq and Pakistan.

6. Some 65 pupils from three primary schools in the south of the county are taking part in a special performance at Pembroke School on Monday.

7. Find out how we’re providing energy for people now and in the future by visiting shell.com/linde.

8. Milford Haven police are investigating the theft of a diesel generator from a secure compound at Westfield Pill Bridge in Honeyborough overnight on Thursday.

9. I’m beginning to feel better now. But, my God, you shattered me.

10. If you are looking for casual jobs, like babysitting, do it through family or friends.

Exercise 14.

Fill in the gaps with:

(a) the Present Indefinite or the Present Continuous. Comment on their use.

1. We … (to have) English classes five times a week.

2. We … (to have) an English class now.

3. What you … (to think) about Ann?

4. What you … (to think) about, Ann?

5. I … (to see) her at 12.15 tomorrow.

6. I … (to see) what you’re driving at.

7. The cake … (to taste) delicious.

8. She … (to taste) the cake.

9. He … (to weight) the meat now.

10. He … (to weight) 80 kilos.

(b) the Present Indefinite or the Present Continuous. Comment on their use.

1. ‘you … (to hear) anything?’ ‘I … (to listen) attentively, but I … (to hear) nothing.’

2. Every time he … (to come), he … (to bring) flowers for her.

3. While July … (to pack) our things, I’ll be washing the car.

4. ‘Mr Douglas … (to be) in?’ ‘I’m afraid, he isn’t. He … (to have) lunch with Mr O’Brian.’

5. He … (to visit) us at weekends. But this weekend he … (not to come) as he is ill.

6. ‘Why you … (to be) still here?’ ‘We … (to wait) for Pete. Oh, here he … (to come).’

7. As a rule people … (not to trust) banks, but nowadays banks … (to lend) more money to encourage business and the situation may change.

8. ‘What you … (to do)? What … (to be) wrong with you?’

9. ‘Mrs Jackson, Billy … (to be) so polite today!’ ‘I can’t believe it! Usually he ... (to be) so rude!’

10. We … (to leave) soon. Oh, there … (to go) our bus.

(c) the Present Indefinite, the Present Continuous or TO BE GOING TO + Infinitive. Comment on their use.

1. The next meeting … (to be) on 17^th February.

2. I’m not sure, but I think he … (to redecorate) the house.

3. The plane … (to land) at 18.50.

4. They … (to arrive) on the 12.35 train.

5. Do you hear that strange noise? Clear the area! The engine … (to explode)!

6. I … (to see) the client at 9 o’clock in the morning.

7. After you … (to go) another 20 metres, you’ll see that cottage.

8. Unless aid … (to arrive) within the next few weeks, they … (to starve).

9. She’ll be translating the text while I … (to print) the document.

10. Our banks … (to increase) their interest rates by one per cent from tomorrow.

Exercise 15.

Translate the following sentences into English using the Present Indefinite, the Present Continuous or TO BE GOING TO + Infinitive. Comment on their use.

1. Сьогодні Роджер такий нетерплячий. Це на нього не схоже.

2. Ми складатимемо іспит з англійської в наступному семестрі.

3. Он вони ідуть. Ти це зробиш, хочеш ти цього чи ні!

4. Американські астрономи повідомляють, що супутник впаде в Атлантичному океані за два дні.

5. Український та польський президенти зустрінуться для перемовин сьогодні пообіді.

6. Очистіть територію! Зараз вибухне бомба!

7. Україна відкриває нову амбасаду в Ємені наступного місяця.

8. Це не глибокий поріз, але від нього залишиться шрам.

9. Ти весь час до мене прискіпуєшся (“пиляєш”)!

10. Зараз я витрачаю більше часу на навчання, ніж витрачала в школі.