Category: B1

B1 Future: Be Going to/Present Continuous

Though the Present Continuous is a great way to indicate present events in present time, we can also use this verb tense when referring to future events as well!

The format is as follows:

1. Present Continuous for Future:
Formation: Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing:

Usage:

  • We use the present continuous for future events when we have a definite plan or arrangement.
  • It’s often used for things that are happening relatively soon or in the near future.
  • The time frame is somewhat fixed and planned.

Examples:

  • I am meeting my friend at 3 PM tomorrow.
  • She is flying to Paris next week.
  • They are having a party on Saturday.

Now you try some examples!

Quiz 1 - Present Continuous as Future

Choose the correct option.

 

We can also use the form be going to to indicate future events/situations!

The format is as follows:

2. “Be Going To” for Future:

Formation: Subject + am/is/are + going to + base form of the verb:

Usage:

  • We use “be going to” for future events when there is evidence or a strong intention to do something.
  • It’s often used for things that you’ve already decided to do or that seem likely to happen based on current circumstances.
  • The time frame is more flexible and can be in the near or distant future.

Examples:

  • I am going to study for my exam tonight. (I’ve made this plan.)
  • She is going to have a baby in a few months. (Based on the evidence of her pregnancy.)
  • They are going to buy a new car soon. (They have the intention to do so.)

Now you try some examples!

Quiz 2 - "Be Going To" for Future

Choose the correct answer.

 

So now you know the importance of these tenses!  We here at Scrambled Eggs are sure you are going to be amazing practicing these English phrases in the next couple of days!  Stay amazing!

First Conditional!

We use the first conditional when we want to talk about future events, conditions, or situations we think are real or possible. It is an important tense to use because there is always a possibility that a condition will or will not happen! Think of the first conditional like a statement with two parts – a hypothesis (the if statement), and a conclusion (the then statement). Some examples of the first conditional include:

  • If you don’t bring an umbrella outside, you will get wet!
  • If they are late again, I will be quite annoyed.
  •  If Dad doesn’t have dessert tonight, he definitely will eat something sweet tomorrow.
  •  What will you do if I miss the plane?
  • Who will call her if her phone breaks?
  • If he finishes school early, we will go to a restaurant for lunch.

 

Hint: Notice how the use of the first conditional typically
consists of “if” + present simple verb in the condition
clause and “will” + base form of the verb in the result
clause.

Now, you try!

First Conditional Quiz 1

Among these four options, choose the correct one to complete the sentences.

First Conditional Quiz 2

Fill In The Blank with the correct form of the verbs:

Now you can see the importance of the first conditional.
Though it may seem hard at first, It will become much
easier if you practice it more. See what we did there? A
little first conditional sentence to send you off on your
merry way. Keep up the good work!

Past Participle in Question Phrases

In today’s post we will be learning all about the past participle in question phrases! If you use the phrase “Have you ever…” it is essential to put the following verb in the form of a past participle. Here is an example of the difference:

  • Instead of saying:
    • Have you ever went to California before?
  • Say:
    • Have you ever been to California before?

The past participle normally accompanies another verb in this case the word “have”. The past participle is typically referred to as the third form of the verb and can often be made by adding on these endings : ed, d, or t.

For example:

  • Sleep : slept : slept
  • Jump : jumped : jumped
  • Wear: wore : worn
  • Be : was/were : been

As you can see, sometimes the past participle is exactly the same as the regular past tense but other times things can be more difficult if the verb is irregular! For that reason, it will be useful to look specifically at a list of verbs that are irregular in the past participle so that you can begin to memorize them:

Here is a long list of irregular verbs: https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/support-files/50_common_irregular_verbs_list.pdf

However below I have compiled a list of the top 10 most used irregular verbs where in the past participle is different from the regular past tense!

 

  1. Be : was/were : been
  2. Become: became: become
  3. Drink: drank: drunk
  4. Do : did: done
  5. Eat: ate: eaten
  6. Give: gave: given
  7. Write: wrote: written
  8. Wear: wore: worn
  9. Speak: spoke: spoken
  10. Sing: sang: sung

Let’s practice using some of these new irregular verbs!

Past Participle Quiz

Try and conjugate the following verbs into the past participle.