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Flathunting Scene 1 Language Focus

Ashlie and Rob cover some different ways to talk about disliking something and continue on to discuss the present continuous.

Task 1

Choose the right ending to finish the expressions.

Exercise

 

Task 2

Match the examples of the present continuous with the right description.

Exercise

 

Task 3

Finish the sentences from the last exercise by using the present continuous. Use 'always' if you need it.

Exercise

 

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Submitted by lengocthuyduong on Fri, 18/10/2019 - 13:46

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In the present continuous tense, can I use "at the present" as a synonym of "at the moment"? Or I have to use "at present"?

Hello lengocthuyduong,

The normal form in UK English is at present, not at the present.

You can say at the present time.

You can also use for the present, but this has a slightly different meaning. It implies something is temporary and not an ideal or intended situation.

 

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by StanislavaAndin on Thu, 23/03/2017 - 17:17

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Good afternoon, Dear Teachers! Could you, please, explain the following sentence: "I'm sorry I'm so tired. We are having a lot of problems at work." Why do they use Present Continuous, because it's (hard work) happening during a whole day or everyday (again and again as Rob said)? Is it correct? Thank you advance for you explanations! Best regards, Anastasia.

Hello Anastasia,

The present continuous can be used to describe temporary situations or states.

We have a lot of problems at work - generally

We are having a lot of problems at work - at the moment

 

Best wishes,

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team