Grammar Focus: Present Progressive Tense, Stative Vs Dynamic Verb, Present Progressive Verb For Future Meaning, Nominal Future ( Will Vs Going To), and Verbal Future Tense ( Will Vs Going To)

PRESENT PROGRESSIVE TENSE

ü What Is the Present Progressive Tense?

The present progressive tense is used for an on-going action in the present.

ü Use of the Present Progressive

1.     Actions happening at the moment of speaking

Peter is reading a book now.

2.     Fixed plans in the near future

We are going to Basel on Saturday.

3.     Temporary actions

 I am working in Rome this month.

4.     Actions happening around the moment of speaking (longer actions)

My friend is preparing for his exams.

5.     Trends

More and more people are using their computers to listen to music.

6.     Repeated actions which are irritating to the speaker (with always, constantly, forever)

Andrew is always coming late.

ü Signal Words

·      now

·      at the moment

·      Look!

·      Listen!

ü Form

·      to be (am, are, is) + Infinitiv + -ing

ü Examples of the Present Progressive Tense

·     Caroline is looking for the latest brochure.

·     Dan and Billy are fishing off the pier.

Affirmative sentences in the Present Progressive

Long forms	Contracted forms
I am playing football.	I'm playing football.
You are playing football.	You're playing football.
He is playing football.	He's playing football.

ü Negative Sentences in the Present Progressive

You can also have a negative version:

·     Caroline is not looking for the latest brochure.

·     Dan and Billy are not fishing off the pier.

Long forms	Contracted forms
I am not playing football.	I'm not playing football.
You are not playing football.	You're not playing football.
	You aren't playing football.
He is not playing football.	He's not playing football.
	He isn't playing football.

         

ü Questions in the Present Progressive

·     Is Caroline looking for the latest brochure?

·     Are Dan and Billy fishing off the pier?

Long forms	Contracted forms
Am I playing football?	not possible
Are you playing football?
Is he playing football?

         

The present progressive tense can also be used to describe an activity which is going to happen in the future (especially for planned activities). For example:

·     We are moving to New Zealand in the summer.

·     The train is arriving in 2 minutes.

ü Forming the Present Progressive Tense

Here is an infographic explaining the present progressive tense:

ü The present progressive tense is formed like this:

[am, is, or are] + [verb] + ing

Choose am, is, or are based on the following table:

Subject	Verb "to be"	Present Participle
I	am	[verb] + "ing"
You	are
He / She / It (or singular noun)	is
We	are
You	are
They (or plural noun)	are

For example:

·        She is running.

·        I am talking.

The [verb] + "ing" part is known as a present participle. It is formed like this:

Add "ing" to most verbs:

·        play > playing

·        shout > shouting

For verbs that end "e", remove the "e" and add "ing":

·        prepare > preparing

·        ride > riding

For verbs that end "ie", change the "ie" to "y" and add "ing":

·        lie > lying

·        untie > untying

For verbs whose last syllable is written [consonant-vowel-consonant] and is stressed, double the final consonant and add "ing":

·        run > running

·        forget > forgettin

ü The Other Present Tenses

The present progressive tense is one of four present tenses. They are:

The 4 Present Tenses	Example
simple present tense	I go
present progressive tense	I am going
present perfect tense	I have gone
present perfect progressive tense	I have been going

STATIVE Vs DYNAMIC VERB

The progressive forms of a verb indicate that something is happening or was happening or will be happening. When used with the past, the progressive form shows the limited duration of an event: "While I was doing my homework, my brother came into my room." The past progressive also suggests that an action in the past was not entirely finished. (Compare "I did my homework." to "I was doing my homework.") This is even more evident in the passive progressive construction: "He was being strangled in the alley" suggests an action that was not finished, perhaps because the act was interrupted by a good citizen, whereas the simple past "He was strangled in the alley" suggests an action that was finished, unfortunately.

A neat categorization of the uses of the progressive can be found on the page describing the "To Be" Verb.

The progressive forms occur only with dynamic verbs, that is, with verbs that show qualities capable of change as opposed to stative verbs, which show qualities not capable of change.* For instance, we do not say, "He is being tall" or "He is resembling his mother" or "I am wanting spaghetti for dinner" or "It is belonging to me." (We would say, instead: "He is tall," "He resembles his mother," "I want spaghetti," and "It belongs to me.") The best way to understand the difference between stative and dynamic verbs is to look at a table that lists them and breaks them into categories and then to build some sentences with them, trying out the progressive forms to see if they work or not.

These categories and lists are derived from Randolph Quirk and Sidney Greenbaum's A University Grammar of English (used with the publisher's permission). The examples are our own. The lists are not meant to be complete.

DYNAMIC VERBS

Activity Verbs

I am begging you. I was learning French. They will be playing upstairs..

Virtually identical in meaning to simple tense forms:

I beg you. I learned French. They will play upstairs.

abandon ask beg call drink

eat help learn listen look at

play rain read say slice

throw whisper work write

Process Verbs

The corn is growing rapidly. Traffic is slowing down.

Virtually identical in meaning to simple present tense forms:

The corn grows rapidly. Traffic slows down.

change deteriorate

grow mature

slow down

widen

Verbs of Bodily Sensation

"I feel bad" and "I am feeling bad" are virtually identical in meaning.

ache

feel

hurt

itch

Transitional Events Verbs

Progressive forms indicate the beginning of an event,

as opposed to the simple present tense.

"She was falling out of bed [when I caught her]" as opposed to

"She falls out of bed every night."

arrive die

fall land

leave

lose

Momentary Verbs

Progressive forms indicate little duration and suggest repetition.

She is hitting her brother.

He is jumping around the house.

hit jump

kick knock

nod

tap

STATIVE VERBS

Verbs of Inert Perception and Cognition*

I detest rudabaga, but not I am detesting rudabaga.

I prefer cinnamon toast, but not I am preferring cinnamon toast.

abhor adore astonish believe desire detest dislike doubt feel forgive

guess hate hear imagine impress intend know like love mean

mind perceive please prefer presuppose realize recall recognize regard remember

satisfy see smell suppose taste think understand want wish

Relational Verbs

I am sick, but not I am being sick.

I own ten acres of land, but not I am owning ten acres.

My brother owes me ten dollars" but not

My brother is owing me ten dollars.

be* belong to concern consist of contain cost

depend on deserve equal fit have include

involve lack matter need owe own

possess require require resemble seem sound

Kolln suggests that we think of the difference between stative and dynamic in terms of "willed" and "nonwilled" qualities. Consider the difference between a so-called dynamic adjective (or subject complement) and a stative adjective (or subject complement): "I am silly" OR "I am being silly" versus "I am tall." I have chosen to be silly; I have no choice about being tall. Thus "tall" is said to be a stative (or an "inert") quality, and we cannot say "I am being tall"; "silly," on the other hand, is dynamic so we can use progressive verb forms in conjunction with that quality.

The same applies to verbs. Two plus two equals four. Equals is inert, stative, and cannot take the progressive; there is no choice, no volition in the matter. (We would not say, "Two plus two is equalling four.") In the same way, nouns and pronouns can be said to exhibit willed and unwilled characteristics. Thus, "She is being a good worker" (because she chooses to be so), but we would say "She is (not is being) an Olympic athlete" (because once she becomes an athlete she no longer "wills it").

PRESENT PROGRESSIVE VERB FOR FUTURE MEANING

 Or Is

USUALLY CALLED PRESENT CONTINUOUS FOR FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS

ü USING THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS TO TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE

The present continuous is used to talk about arrangements for events at a time later than now. There is a suggestion that more than one person is aware of the event, and that some preparation has already happened. e.g.

·        I'm meeting Jim at the airport = Jim and I have discussed this.

·        I am leaving tomorrow. = I've already bought my train ticket.

·        We're having a staff meeting next Monday = all members of staff have been told about it.

EXAMPLES ·        Is she seeing him tomorrow? ·        He isn't working next week. ·        They aren't leaving until the end of next year. ·        We are staying with friends when we get to Boston. Note: In the first example, "seeing" is used in a continuous form because it means "meeting".

BE CAREFUL! The simple present is used when a future event is part of a programme or time-table.

Notice the difference between:

a. We're having a staff meeting next Monday = just that once

b. We have a staff meeting every Monday

Future Tense - Will vs. Going to

A very confusing concept is when to use WILL and when to use BE GOING TO when we refer the future.

Both refer to the future and there is a slight difference between the two though in most cases they can be used interchangeably with no difference in meaning. Even if you misuse them, a native speaker is going to understand you without any problems.

Quick Summary Chart

ü When to use GOING TO

The structure BE GOING TO is normally used to indicate the future but with some type of connection to the present. We use it in the following situations:

1. When we have already decided or we INTEND to do something in the future.  (Prior Plan)

The decision has been made before the moment of speaking.

·        They're going to retire to the beach - in fact they have already bought a little beach house.

·        I'm going to accept the job offer.

2. When there are definite signs that something is going to happen. (Evidence)

Something is likely to happen based on the evidence or experience you have.

·        I think it is going to rain - I just felt a drop.

·        I don't feel well. I think I'm going to throw up. (throw up = vomit)

3. When something is about to happen:

§  Get back! The bomb is going to explode.

When to use WILL

In other cases, where there is no implicit or explicit connection to the present, use WILL:

1. For things that we decide to do now. (Rapid Decisions)

This is when you make a decision at that moment, in a spontaneous way.

§  I'll buy one for you too.

§  I think I'll try one of those. (I just decided this right now)

2. When we think or believe something about the future. (Prediction)

§  My team will not win the league this season.

§  I think it will rain later so take an umbrella with you.

Note: You can use both Will and Going to for making future predictions.

3. To make an offer, a promise or a threat.

§  I'll give you a discount if you buy it right now.

§  I promise I will behave next time.

§  I'll take you to the movies if you'd like.

4. You use WON'T when someone refuses to do something.

§  I told him to take out the trash but he won't do it.

§  My kids won't listen to anything I say.

§  My car won't start.

ü Future Predictions

As you can see, both Will and Going to can be used for making future predictions without having a real difference in meaning.

§  The weather report says it will rain tomorrow. (Correct)

§  The weather report says it is going to rain tomorrow. (Correct)

ü Compare Will vs. Going To

If someone asks: "Are you busy this evening?"

If I respond: "Yes, I'm going to the movies." I use going to because it is a plan I made earlier (before I was asked the question). - In this case we cannot use Will.

If I haven't made plans, then you can say either: "I will probably watch TV." OR "I'm probably going to watch TV."

Both will and going to are possible in this situation because we are predicting what will happen (since we haven't made any plans).

Nominal Future Tense and Verbal Future Tense (Will Vs Going TO)

1. Future – Will

We normally use WILL to speak about the future. It is always combined with another verb.

Since WILL is classified as a modal verb (like can, would, could, should) it has the same characteristics:

1.     It does not change in the third person (i.e. he, she, it)

2.     It is always combined with another verb in the base form (i.e. without 'to')

3.     We don't use it with 'Do' in questions or negatives.

Examples of Will:

§  I will go to the cinema tonight.

§  He will play tennis tomorrow.

§  She will be happy with her exam results.

§  They will take the bus to the South next week.

ü When to use WILL

We use WILL in the following circumstances:

1. For things that we decide to do now. (Rapid Decisions)

This is when you make a decision at that moment, in a spontaneous way.

§  I'll call a taxi for you.

§  I think we'll go right now. (I just decided this right now)

§  Which one? Um, I will have the chicken sandwich please.

2. When we think or believe something about the future. (Prediction)

This can be based on personal judgement or opinion.

§  The President will not be re-elected at the next election.

§  I think it will rain later so take an umbrella with you.

§  I think you will find the movie interesting.

Notice how you often use "I think..." before the subject + will.

3. To make an offer, a promise or a threat.

§  You look tired. I'll finish the dishes for you.

§  I will do my best to help you.

§  If you say anything I will kill you!

§  I will have it ready by tomorrow.

§  I'll drive you to work if you want.

§  Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. (won't = will not)

4. For a habit that is a predictable behaviour

§  My daughter will fall asleep as soon as she is put into bed.

§  He will give up if he starts losing. He always does that.

5. You use WON'T when someone refuses to do something.

§  I told him to clean his room but he won't do it.

§  She won't listen to anything I say.

ü Negative Sentences with WILL

In the negative, we add NOT to the end of WILL and not to the main verb. (= will not)

Examples:

§  I will not be in the office tomorrow. (correct)

I will be not in the office tomorrow. (Incorrect)

§  They will not stay here. (correct)

They will stay not here. (Incorrect)

ü Contractions

It is possible to use contractions in both positive and negative sentences.

With positive contractions WILL becomes 'LL and is joined to the subject:

Positive Contraction
I will	I'll
You will	you'll
He will	he'll
She will	she'll
It will	it'll
We will	we'll
You will	you'll
They will	they'll

With negative contractions, will not becomes won't:

Negative Contraction
I will not	I won't
You will not	you won't
He will not	he won't
She will not	she won't
It will not	it won't
We will not	we won't
You will not	you won't
They will not	they won't

ü Questions

To form a question using WILL, we reverse the order of the subject and WILL:

Affirmative                    He               will              be                here tomorrow.

                             Subject        WILL           Verb 

Question               Will             he                be                here tomorrow?

                             WILL           Subject        Verb 

Examples:

Will they win the cup?

- Yes, they will.

- No, they won't.

Will you tell him the truth?

- Yes, I will.

- No, I won't.

Will she get angry?

- Yes, she will.

- No, she won't.

2. Be going to

ü Positive & Negative Sentences

The positive and negative structures for Be Going To are as follows:

Positive                       Negative
I am going to	I am not going to
You are going to	You are not going to
He is going to	He is not going to
She is going to	She is not going to
It is going to	It is not going to
We are going to	We are not going to
You are going to	You are not going to
They are going to	They are not going to

The structure BE GOING TO is normally used to indicate the future in English. We use this structure:

1. When we have already decided or we INTEND to do something in the future. (Prior Plan)

The decision has been made before the moment of speaking.

§  I'm going to India next year.

§  We talked about it yesterday and I'm going to quit my job tomorrow.

2. When there are definite signs that something is going to happen. (Evidence)

Something is likely to happen based on the evidence or experience you have.

§  It's so cold! I think it is going to snow

3. When something is about to happen:

§  Get back! The bomb is going to explode.

ü Questions with BE GOING TO

Questions are formed by changing the order of the subject and the verb BE:

Affirmative                    You             are               going to                win the race.

                             Subject        BE               GOING TO

Question               Are              you              going to                win the race?

                             BE               Subject        GOING TO

You are going to be sick if you eat that. (Positive sentence)

Are you going to be sick if you eat that? (Question)

We are going to take orange juice to the party. (Positive sentence)

Are we going to take orange juice to the party? (Question)

ü BE GOING TO in the Past Tense

When BE GOING TO is used in the past tense, it refers to something that was going to happen but in the end it did not happen.

Examples:

§  I was going to call you but I lost your phone number.

§  It was going to rain but suddenly the sun appeared.

§  We were going to buy a new TV but then we changed our minds.

§  You were going to be my bridesmaid but then you slept with my fiancée.

ü Gonna

Sometimes when we speak quickly, GOING TO sounds like GONNA. While it is grammatically incorrect, it is used a lot in very informal English. You will also occasionally see the word Gonna written in song titles or in song lyrics.

I'm gonna go to the beach tomorrow.

= I'm going to go to the beach tomorrow.

He's gonna bring his girlfriend to the party.

= He's going to bring his girlfriend to the party.

Visit and watch this video about Present Progressive Tense, Stative Vs Dynamiv verb, and Future Tense (Will Vs Going to)  with the link at this below, to make you easy to understand.

https://youtu.be/m07fzwlvcWk

https://youtu.be/JeuLXCH2-m8