Tag: English Courses

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!

The Difference Between its and it’s

Finding the difference between its and it’s is a common very common challenge, even for English speakers.  But here’s an exercise and lesson that will help guide you through the process of using its versus it’s:

Its: Without the apostrophe, this word is a possessive pronoun, his or her, for objects/things without gender.

 

  • The word its is often used in reference to something owned by a person or thing previously mentioned in the sentence, such as:
  • The table made a sound in its legs when he put his plate down.

The word its can also be used in reference to a noun without a defined gender.   Choose its when you want to give something ownership, for example:

  • My mom yelled when the dog spilled its water bowl.

 

It’s: With an apostrophe, this word is a contraction, meaning it is or is has

 

  • It’s, happens to be a contraction meaning it is or it has.

 

  • It’s been two hours since he texted me back
  • It’s the relationship that I have with my students that really makes me happy

 

All in all, this process can be tricky, but with practice and reading, you will be on your merry way to mastering these two words.

 

It’s about time you figure out how to find the difference between it’s and its!  I know you can do it, even if your brain has its bad and good days.  Here are some exercises to help:

 

Difference Between its and it’s quiz

Fill in the blank for the following sentences: