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C1 · Advanced15 min

Advanced Present Simple & Present Continuous

Syllabus topic 1: Advanced Present Simple & Present Continuous

Advanced Present Simple & Present Continuous. Beyond habits and ongoing activity, the present simple appears in commentary, summaries, performative statements and scheduled future events.

How it works

Beyond habits and ongoing activity, the present simple appears in commentary, summaries, performative statements and scheduled future events. The continuous can foreground temporary behaviour or repeated behaviour coloured by attitude. State verbs may become dynamic with a meaning shift: I think versus I'm thinking it over.

Examples in context

Notice how each form fits its sentence. Read the context before choosing a form.

  • I apologise for the delay. (performing the apology now)
  • You're being unusually quiet today. (temporary behaviour)
  • The novel opens with a letter. (plot summary)
  • I'm thinking of applying abroad. (considering)
  • She is constantly finishing my sentences! (irritated comment)

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Question 1 of 50% complete

I ___ for the delay. (performing the apology now)

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