Grammar points, UNIT 1

 

Present Simple 

Core Rules

Permanent states & facts: Things that are generally true for a long time.
Routines & habits: Actions we do regularly.

B1+-B2 Nuances

Timetables & schedules: Official future events (transport, cinema times, school timetables).
• Example: The train leaves at 6:00 PM tomorrow. 
Stative verbs (mental/emotional states): Verbs not usually used in continuous forms (e.g., know, believe, belong, prefer, realize).
• Example: I understand your point now.
Narratives, reviews & sports commentaries: Making past or live events sound immediate and dramatic.
• Example: Messi passes the ball to Suarez and scores!

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Present Continuous

Core Rules

Actions happening right now: At the moment of speaking.
Temporary situations: True for a limited period. 

B1+-B2 Nuances

Annoying habits (with always / constantly): Expressing irritation about a repeated behavior.
• Example: He is constantly interrupting me during meetings!
Changing or developing trends: Gradual changes happening around now.
• Example: The climate is getting warmer every year.
Personal arrangements (Fixed Future): Plans already decided and arranged for the near future (often with time/place).
• Example: We are meeting the clients on Friday morning.

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Stative Verbs with Dual Meanings

At B2 level, many state verbs can be used in the continuous form when they describe an action rather than a state, but the meaning changes:

Verb	Present Simple (State)	Present Continuous (Action)
Think	I think (believe) it is a good idea.	I am thinking (considering) about changing jobs.
Have	She has (possesses) a new car.	She is having (experiencing/eating) lunch right now.
See	I see (perceive with eyes) the mountains.	I am seeing (dating/meeting) the doctor tomorrow.

PRACTICE

Past Simple: Form and Uses

The Past Simple shows finished actions, habits, or main events in the past. 

Form: Subject + past verb (-ed or irregular, e.g., played, went).
Completed actions: "I visited Paris last year."
Story events: "She opened the door, looked inside, and turned on the light." 

Past Continuous: Form and Uses

The Past Continuous shows an action that was in progress at a specific moment in the past.

Form: Subject + was / were + verb--ing (e.g., was reading, were playing).
Action in progress: "At 8 PM yesterday, I was eating dinner."
Background scene: "The sun was shining and the birds were singing." 

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Combining Both Tenses

At intermediate levels, you often combine both tenses to show how one event interrupts another.

The Interruption: Use the Past Continuous for the long action and the Past Simple for the short interrupting action.
• Example: "I was watching TV when the phone rang."
Simultaneous Actions: Use the Past Continuous for two long actions happening at the same time.
• Example: "While I was cooking, my brother was cleaning the floor."

PRACTICE