Tag: 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!

Directions Vocabulary Exercise

If you love to travel, asking for and giving directions is something you’ll definitely be familiar with! But the question is, do you know how to describe locations in English?

For example, if we look at the map below, we can see that the Chinese restaurant is between the bank and bookstore and opposite the grocery store. The grocery store is around the corner from the public restroom, and the newsstand is down the street from the bank.

If something is around the corner, it means they are not on the same street. You have to go around a corner to access it. However, if something is down the street, it is on the same street and you just have to keep going to find it.

If something is described as being between, it means it is in the middle of two objects or locations. Next to is used to describe something that is beside/alongside it. This is different to near, which is a more abstract concept, as it means something is merely in the vicinity.

Have a go at our quizzes and find out how well you know this essential vocabulary!

Key Vocabulary: BETWEEN – NEXT TO – AROUND THE CORNER FROM – DOWN THE STREET FROM – OPPOSITE

Directions | Fill in the Blank

Look at the map and fill in the gaps.

Directions | Fill in the Blank

Fill in the blanks with the correct word

Let us know in the comments how you scored – we’re sure you did a fantastic job! If you want to improve your English, why not check out our other blogs and quizzes? We cover a wide range of topics from beginners level to advanced, so there’s something for everyone!