Categoria: A2-B1

Present Continuous Future

Most of the time, we use the present continuous to talk about actions that are happening at the time of speaking. However, it is also extremely common to use it to talk about the future. Not everything in the future, though!

We use the present continuous to explain things that are pre-planned.

Because we also use this tense to speak in the present, it is necessary to add a time reference when speaking in the future.

For example:

I’m taking the train (right now)
I’m taking the train next week (in the future)

We can also use them in the same sentence to refer to different times!

For example:

Kelly is attending a course right now and later she’s going to the cinema, so she won’t be free all day.

As you may know, we can also use ‘going to + infinitive’ instead of the present continuous to speak in the future tense.

For example:

Next week I’m visiting my parents
Next week I’m going to visit my parents

They mean the same thing!

The structure of the present continuous is relatively simple; we take the verb ‘to be’ (am/are/is) + verb + -ing.

To form the negative, we just add the word ‘not’ before the verb.

For example:

I’m going to the restaurant tonight/I’m not going to the restaurant tonight

As always in English, the question form is a little bit trickier. The verb ‘to be’ goes at the start of the sentence…

For example:

Are you joining us at the gym tonight?
Is she coming to the party on Saturday?

As mentioned, the present continuous future is only used for planned events, or something you’re about to start doing (I’m going to bed, I’m going for a shower), so it would be impossible to use it with things you can’t predict.

For example:

It’s raining next month
My arm is hurting tomorrow

Unless you can control the weather or you plan on walking into a wall, of course!

So now you’ve learnt about the present continuous future, why not take our quiz and see how much you remember..?

Present Continuous Future Exercise

Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb in brackets.

Must vs Have To – English Language Exercise

Both must and have to can be used in relation to obligation, but what are the differences?

Must is used with internal obligations. This usually involves rules and laws, or something you feel is necessary.

E.g. You must drive on the left side of the road in the UK.

I must study harder if I want to pass that exam.

It can also be used with certainty.

E.g. If you study English every day, you must be dedicated!

You must be tired after driving all night!

Have to, on the other hand, is used for every other type of obligation. It is definitely the most commonly used, as it can even substitute must in some circumstances!

E.g. I have to speak in English for my presentation tomorrow, I’m scared!.

She always has to wake up early for work.

HOWEVER! In their negative forms (mustn’t and don’t have to), they have completely different meanings!

Mustn’t expresses prohibition.

E.g. You mustn’t eat this cake (you are prohibited to eat the cake).

Don’t have to expresses the absence of obligation:

E.g. You don’t have to eat this cake (you are not obliged to eat the cake, but you can if you want to).

So now you know the rules, why not try our quiz and test your knowledge?

Must vs Have To Exercise

Fill in the gaps with the correct expression of obligation.

So, how did you do? We’re sure you did a great job, but if you’d like some more practise then try our listening exercise here, and take a look at our other blog posts for some more English exercises!

Pip – A Little Dog with a Big Heart

Are you a dog lover? For many, our furry friends are such a valuable part of our lives. However, just like us, puppies need to study hard if they want a high-flying career! Check out the video below, where a lovely little puppy named Pip heads to school.

Now, try the vocabulary match exercise to make sure you know all the key words to describe the events in the video. Then, complete the true or false questions about Pip’s adventure.
For an extra task, write a sentence describing your favourite part of the video in the comments below!

Pip - A Little Dog with a Big Heart | Definition Match

Match each word with its definition!

PIP - A Little Dog with a Big Heart | True or False

Decide if a statement is true or false.