Present continuous

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Present Continuous Tense

Understanding Present Continuous Tense

Present continuous tense indicates an ongoing action at the moment of speaking. It signifies that the action is currently happening and not yet completed.

Key Rules:

1. Verb Form: The first form of the verb is used, with 'ing' added.
2. Helping Verbs: 'Is/are/am' is used with different subjects: 'is' for third-person singular, 'are' for plural subjects, and 'am' for 'I.'
3. Negative Sentences: 'Not' is inserted after the helping verb.
4. Interrogative Sentences: Questions begin with 'Is/are/am' and follow the subject-verb-object order.

Sentence Structure:

1. Affirmative Sentence: Subject + is/am/are + verb + object.
2. Negative Sentence: Subject + is/are/am + not + verb + object.
3. Interrogative Sentence: Is/are/am + subject + verb + object?
4. Negative Interrogative Sentence: Is/are/am + subject + not + verb + object?

Examples:

Affirmative:

1. The children are playing in the park.
2. She is reading a book in the library.
3. They are cooking dinner in the kitchen.
4. The birds are chirping outside the window.
5. He is writing an email to his friend.

Negative:

1. I am not watching TV right now.
2. She is not attending the meeting tomorrow.
3. They are not going on vacation next week.
4. The dog is not barking at strangers.
5. He is not wearing a jacket in this weather.

Interrogative:

1. Is she dancing at the party tonight?
2. Are they studying for the exam?
3. Is he playing football with his friends?
4. Are you coming to the concert with us?
5. Is it raining outside?

Negative Interrogative:

1. Is she not participating in the event?
2. Are they not visiting their grandparents this weekend?
3. Is he not wearing glasses today?
4. Are you not feeling well?
5. Is it not snowing in the mountains?

FAQ:

Q1: What does the present continuous tense indicate?

A: The present continuous tense indicates an action that is currently ongoing at the moment of speaking.

Q2: How do we form the present continuous tense?

A: We use the first form of the verb and add 'ing' to it, along with the appropriate helping verb ('is/are/am').

Q3: When do we use 'is,' 'are,' and 'am' in the present continuous tense?

A: 'Is' is used with third-person singular subjects, 'are' with plural subjects, and 'am' with 'I.'

Q4: How do we form interrogative sentences in the present continuous tense?

A: Interrogative sentences start with 'Is/are/am' followed by the subject and then the verb.

Q5: Are there any irregular forms in the present continuous tense?

A: No, the present continuous tense follows a regular pattern of adding 'ing' to the verb.

Q6: Can we use adverbs of frequency with the present continuous tense?

A: Yes, adverbs of frequency can be used to describe the frequency of ongoing actions in the present continuous tense.

Q7: What is the difference between the present continuous tense and the present simple tense?

 A: The present continuous tense describes actions happening at the moment of speaking, while the present simple tense describes habitual or general actions.

Q8: Do we always need to use a helping verb in the present continuous tense?

 A: Yes, a helping verb ('is/are/am') is necessary in the present continuous tense to indicate the ongoing nature of the action.

Q9: Can we use contractions in the present continuous tense?

A: Yes, contractions like 'I'm,' 'he's,' 'she's,' 'it's,' 'we're,' 'they're,' and 'you're' can be used in the present continuous tense for informal writing or speech.

For practice visit

Present continuous (practice)-1

Present continuous (practice)-2

Present Indefinite (practice)-2

Rules for Present Indefinite tense

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Q1) Translate following sentences into your mother tongue.

1)            Parliament makes the law in India.

2)            Girls play volleyball after the school.

3)            Our principal believes in simple living and high thinking.

4)            Monkeys rule this area.

5)            Do you know that man?

6)            My grandmother tells the bead all the time.

7)            Our company prefers honesty to hard work.

8)            Do you not like earning money?

9)            Followers do not become leaders.

10)        He deals his Garments.

11)        He gives up smoking in just one week.

12)        Rakesh and Rahim run a business in Mumbai.

13)        Does Mr kailas teach you English?

14)        Mangoes ripe in summer.

15)        He always speaks at the right time.

Q2) Write 15 sentences in present indefinite tense.

also see present indefinite(practice)-1

Present Indefinite (Practice)-1

Rules for Present Indefinite tense

Back to the starting page oftenses

Q1) Translate following sentences into your mother tongue

1)            Mr. Gupta lives in my neighborhood.

2)            She dances very well

3)            He always observes traffic rules.

4)            They do not believe in hard wok.

5)            Do you like swimming in the sea?

6)            Kapil follows his teacher.

7)            She looks after the baby.

8)            All my family members oppose the proposal.

9)            Does he read in your class?

10)        Do you not like coffee anymore?

11)        Our school organizes annual function every year.

12)        Committee decides the rule for this department.

13)        Exams put pressure on students.

14)        Do you get up early in the morning?

15)         Does he not belong to our community?

Q2) Write 15 sentences in present indefinite tense.

For further practice see present indefinite (practice)-2

Present Indefinite

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Present Indefinite Tense

Understanding the Basics of Present Indefinite Tense

In English grammar, the present indefinite tense describes an action or work without specifying its current state. It indicates that an action occurs regularly or habitually. However, it does not clarify if the action is ongoing or completed at the moment of speaking.

Key Rules:

1. Verb Form: The first form of the verb is used.
2. Subject Agreement: If the subject is a third-person singular (he, she, it, or a specific name), 's' or 'es' is added to the first form of the verb.
3. Negative Sentences: 'Do/does + not' is used for negative constructions. 'Does' is used for third-person singular subjects, while 'do' is used for plural subjects.
4. Interrogative Sentences: Questions begin with 'do' or 'does' and end with a question mark.
5. No 's/es' in Negatives and Interrogatives: In negative and interrogative sentences, 's/es' is not added to the verb, as it is already incorporated into 'does.'

Sentence Structure:

1. Affirmative Sentence: Subject + (Verb + 's/es') + Object.
2. Negative Sentence: Subject + 'do/does' + not + Verb + Object.
3. Interrogative Sentence: 'Do/Does' + Subject + Verb + Object?
4. Interrogative and Negative Sentence: 'Do/Does' + Subject + not + Verb + Object?

 Examples:

1. Affirmative:

a)     She reads books every night before bed.

b)    They play football every Saturday afternoon.

c)    The train arrives at the station at 9:00 AM every day.

d)    Maria cooks dinner for her family every evening.

e)    He gets up early in the morning.

 Negative:

a)    Ramsaran does not belong to our party.

b)    We do not watch horror movies because they scare us.

c)    They do not eat meat because they are vegetarians.

d)    He does not play video games because he prefers outdoor activities.

e)    Sarah and John do not argue often because they communicate effectively.

 Interrogative:

a)    "Do you want to join this course?"

b)    Does she know how to speak French fluently?

c)    Does he understand the instructions for the assignment?

d)     Do they know about the new project deadline?

 

e)      Do you prefer tea or coffee in the morning?

 Negative Interrogative:

a)    Do they not observe the traffic rules?

b)    Does she not appreciate your efforts to help her?

c)    Does he not understand the importance of punctuality in the workplace?

d)    Does it not rain often in this region?

e)    Does the team not recognize the significance of teamwork for success?

 

FAQ:

Q: What is the purpose of the present indefinite tense?

A: The present indefinite tense is used to describe habitual actions or general truths.

Q: When do we add 's/es' to the verb in the present indefinite tense?

A: 'S/es' is added to the verb when the subject is a third-person singular.

Q: How do we form negative sentences in the present indefinite tense?

A: Negative sentences are formed using 'do/does + not' before the verb.

Q: Can you provide an example of an interrogative and negative sentence in the present indefinite tense?

A: "Do they not enjoy playing basketball?"

Q: What is the difference between present indefinite tense and present continuous tense?

 A: The present indefinite tense describes habitual or general actions, while the present continuous tense describes actions happening at the moment of speaking.

Q: Are there any irregular verbs in the present indefinite tense?

A: Yes, some verbs have irregular forms in the present tense, such as 'go' (I go, he/she/it goes) or 'have' (I have, he/she/it has).

Q: Can we use adverbs of frequency with the present indefinite tense?

A: Yes, adverbs of frequency like 'always,' 'usually,' 'often,' etc., can be used to describe the frequency of actions in the present indefinite tense.

Q: How do we form questions in the present indefinite tense with non-third-person singular subjects?

 A: Questions with non-third-person singular subjects are formed using 'do' + subject + verb + object. For example, "Do we like ice cream?"

Q: Is the present indefinite tense used for actions happening in the future?

 A: No, the present indefinite tense is used for actions that occur regularly or habitually in the present or express general truths. It is not used to describe future actions.

For practice see

Present Indefinite (Practice)-1

Present Indefinite (Practice)-2

Tenses

Tenses

Dear Students

 Tenses are the backbone of language, providing a framework for expressing actions in time. Whether recounting past events, describing present situations, or envisioning future scenarios, tenses allow us to navigate through time within our sentences. Understanding the intricacies of tenses is crucial for effective communication and proficiency in any language.

What Are Tenses?

Tenses, in linguistic terms, refer to the grammatical structures that indicate the time of action or state of being expressed by a verb. They convey when an action occurs, whether it is in the past, present, or future. Tenses are essential for providing context and clarity in communication, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meanings and temporal relationships within their sentences.

Types of Tenses:

 In English grammar, tenses are broadly categorized into three main types: Past, Present, and Future tense. Each of these main categories is further divided into 4 subcategories, or aspects, which denote different nuances of time and duration.

Understanding the distinctions between these aspects of tenses is essential for accurate expression and comprehension of temporal relationships within sentences.

Usage and Functions of Tenses:

Each tense serves a specific purpose and conveys different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here are some key functions and usage guidelines for the main tenses:

1. Past Tense:
• Used to describe completed actions or events that occurred in the past.
• Indicates actions or states that began and ended at a specific point in the past.
• Examples: "She walked to the store yesterday." (Simple Past) "I had finished my homework before dinner." (Past Perfect)
2. Present Tense:
• Used to describe actions or states that are currently happening or are generally true.
• Indicates habitual actions, timeless truths, or ongoing situations.
• Examples: "He reads books every day." (Simple Present) "They are watching a movie right now." (Present Continuous)
3. Future Tense:
• Used to describe actions or events that will happen in the future.
• Indicates planned or predicted actions, intentions, or expectations.
• Examples: "We will travel to Europe next summer." (Simple Future) "She will have completed her degree by next year." (Future Perfect)

Conclusion:

Tenses are indispensable tools for expressing temporal relationships and conveying meaning in language. By mastering the intricacies of tense usage, learners can enhance their communication skills, improve their writing proficiency, and express themselves more effectively in both spoken and written contexts. With dedication, practice, and attention to detail, anyone can become proficient in the art of tenses and unlock the full potential of language expression.

            Each of these three tenses is further divided into four Parts. Indefinite,

 continuous, Perfect and Perfect continuous. In all   , there are 12 tenses as

 mentioned in the following table.

Present Indefinite	Past indefinite	Future Indefinite
Present continuous	Past continuous	Future continuous
Present perfect	Past perfect	Future Perfect
Present perfect continuous	Past perfect  continuous	Future Perfect continuous

           

You can click on each of the above link to learn rules of tense with lots of examples and

 practice exercises.

If you already know these rules, skip this part and move to practice exercises for tenses

9th class-cbse english(NCERT BOOK-Beehive)(short answers) Chapter-4(A Truly Beautiful Mind ) (Albert Einstein)

Q) Answer following questions in about 40 words.

Q1) Why did Einstein write a letter to Franklin Roosevelt?

Ans2) Einstein discovered the principle of nuclear energy. He was a visionary scientist. He knew that this power could be misused. He did not want to see the humanity disaster through atom bomb explosion. He was afraid that the Nazis could build and misuse an atomic bomb. So, He wrote to Franklin Roosevelt.

Q2) How did Einstein react to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

Ans3) Einstein was deeply hurt, on seeing the destruction caused by bomb in Nagasaki and Hiroshima. He worked for nuclear disarmament. He wanted peace. He proposed for a world government to stop arm race.

Q3) Why is Einstein remembered as a ‘world citizen’?

Ans4) Einstein is remembered as a world citizen because he campaigned for peace and democracy. He was against the arms race. He was a great scientist as well as a great visionary. His concerns were not constraint by state boundaries. He proposed formation of the world government.

Q4) Einstein was a peculiar child. Justify.

Ans5) Albert Einstein was a peculiar child because he could not behave like other children. His thinking was also different. Einstein did not talk for about two and a half year. His head seemed too large. He uttered everything twice.

Q5) Why did Einstein leave the school for good?

Ans6) Albert Einstein was not comfortable in his school. There was an extreme sense of discipline. He hated this type of discipline. He often argued with his teachers. He was suffocating in this atmosphere. He was not growing. So he left the school for ever.

Q6) How did Albert fell in love with Mileva Maric ?

Ans7) Albert joined a university in Zurich for higher studies. Here he met with a fellow student Maric and felt a special interest in her. She was one of the students studying there. He called her a clever creature. He found   in the girl something against art and literature. Both fell in love.

Some More Questions for practice

Q) Answer following questions in about 40 words.

Q1) How was the reaction of Albert Einstein on receiving the Noble Prize?

Q2) What was the effect of Albert‘s Letter to the American president?

Q3) What was the opinion of headmaster about the Albert?

Q4) Einstein was a gifted violinist. Do you agree?.

Q5) Why was Einstein’s mother against his marriage with Mileva?

Q6) Why do you think Einstein’s personal life was not happy?

Cricket

In many countries cricket is like a religion and India is one of them. I am also a follower. During any important series, I reschedule my work to make sure that no match is missed. I am an ardent supporter of Indian team.  I want to convert this passion into my profession. I want to become a cricket reporter. I want to experience the thrill right from the cricket match ground. I am eagerly waiting for that day.    

Visit to zoo

I love wild animals. In cities only place to see them is zoo. Last week I got a chance to visit zoo when my elder brother planned a picnic along with his two friends. We reached there at 10 am. Zoo was divided into many sections like apes, birds, reptiles, butterflies, beast of prey etc. We tried to cover each section. But once we entered the birds section, we lost so much that we spent many hours there. We could hardly cover half section. By the evening we were very tired. We came out and took some snacks. Sweet memory of that day is still fresh in my mind.

Holi

Holi is a festival of colors. It is celebrated all over India. People throw water and colors on one another. All faces are so painted that one cannot tell a foe to a friend. All mingle together. In the atmosphere of color and light heartedness all differences melt away. So it’s a festival of joy and forgiveness. But some people spoil the high spirit by drinking and gambling. These practices should be detached from this holy festival

9th class-cbse english(NCERT BOOK-Beehive)(short answers)Chapter-3(The little Girl ) (Katherine Mansfield)

Q) Answer following questions in about 40 words.

Q1) Why was Kezia afraid of her father?

Ans1) Kezia was a little sensitive girl. Her father was very aggressive. Actually he got tired from his daily work. He always spoke loudly. He never played with her. He never showed affection to her. This made her afraid of her father.

Q2) Who was Mr. Macdonald?

Ans2) Mr. MacDonald was Kezia’s neighbor. He loved his children. Though, he had five children. He played with them. They would hang on to his coat. They would laugh together. If anyone made any mistake, he was never angry with them. Rather, he laughed it away. He was a very kind father.

Q3) Why was kezia punished by her Father? Was he right?

                                   

Ans3) Kezia wanted to give a present to her father on his birthday .She decided tomake a cushion for him. For that she needed some papers to put into a pin-cushion. She put her father’s paper into the pin cushion. So she was punished by her father.

Father was not right to punish her. He should have talked to her politely. He should understand her feelings.

Q4) What did Kezia’s father do when she had the nightmare?

Ans4) Once kezia had a nightmare. In the nightmare she saw a butcher with a knife and a rope. She cried and called her Grandmother. But her father came running. He picked her up into his arms. He took her in his room. He pressed her affectionately. Her fear faded away and she went to sleep.

Q5) What were Kezia’s feelings about her father after the nightmare incident?

Ans5) Kezia’s feelings about her father totally changed. She realized that he had to work very hard everyday. So, he could not be like Mr. MacDonald. kezia found  his hardness only outer. He was very kind inside. Kezia started loving and appreciating her father.

Some More Questions for practice

Q) Answer following questions in about 40 words.

Q1) What did Granny think of the father?

Q2) How did kezia’s grandmother encourage her to know her father better ?

Q3) What did kezia’s father usually do in the evening?

Q4) How was Kezia’s father different from Mr. MacDonald?