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!

Adjectives that end in ED vs those that end in ING

Today you will learn all about the differences between adjectives that end in ED versus ING in the English language.

Look at the following two examples to understand more clearly what I’m talking about:
– I am really excited to go to the movies this evening!
– This movie is a thriller. It is very exciting.

Can you see the difference? While both sentences use the same base word in the adjective, changing the ending of the adjective from ED to ING also changes the meaning of the adjective slightly.

We typically use adjectives ending in ED to describe feelings or emotions.

Here are some examples:

– My sister is very interested in studying medicine.
– In math class I easily become confused.
– After work, I get so tired.

Contrastingly, we use adjectives ending in ING to describe the characteristics of situations or things. That is to say, the things or people that make you feel a certain way.

For example:

– This book is so boring, I am not interested at all!
– I feel bored when I read this book.
– The ending of the book was very surprising! I did not expect things to conclude like that.
– I was surprised by the ending.
– Horror movies are very frightening, I cannot watch them alone.
– Horror movies make me feel frightened.

ING adjectives can also be used for people but be aware that it changes the meaning of what you are trying to say quite a bit!

Here is an example:
– Laura is very boring. (This sentence means, I do not find Laura interesting)
– Laura is bored. (This sentence means Laura is not interested in something!)

Adjectives that end in ED vs those that end in ING - Quiz

Let’s practice putting the difference into use! Try and choose between ING or ED for the following adjectives based on their context.

 

Present Perfect Continuous

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Present Perfect Continuous
When something starts in the past and continues into the present, we use this verb tense. The present perfect continuous tense is generally used to describe actions or conditions that began in the past but are still going on or have recently stopped. You can use present perfect continuous in positive and negative situations. For example, “I have been watching TV all day”, or “Have we not been resting long enough?”

There are a few different situations when present perfect continuous is often used:

Situation Example
Emphasizing length of time “I have been waiting here for hours”
Conveying unfinished actions “I have been watching the movie you suggested last week”
Explaining the result of an action “We have been baking all day, so the kitchen is a mess”

How to form Present Perfect Continuous Statements:
Subject + have been + gerund (ing)
Example: I have been writing this script since 2018.

Present Perfect Continuous Quiz

Complete the following sentences using present perfect continuous.
Example: He _______ (work) here for ten years.
ANSWER: He has been working here for ten years.