By bahodir rustamov contents: Tenses

UNIT 3. CONTINUOUS TENSES.
LESSON 1. PRESENT CONTINUOUS.
Structure:
P: S+to be+Ving… They are playing football.
N: S+to be+not+Ving... They aren’t playing football.
Sh.A.Q: To be+S+Ving…? Are they playing football?
Yes, S(p)+to be. Yes, they are.
No, S(p)+to be+not. No, they aren’t.
Q: Q.W.+to be+S+Ving…? Where are they playing football?

• 
  The Present Continuous is used to talk about actions happening now. (at the time of speaking):
  

I’m doing my homework now.

• 
  The Present Continuous is used to talk about longer actions which were started but not finished, yet. It isn’t necessary that the action is happening now:
  

I’m building a house.

• 
  The Present Continuous is used to talk about temporary actions which are different from usual situations:
  

She’s working hard this week. (usually, she doesn’t work hard)

• 
  The Present Continuous is used with “always” when we want to express our irritation at actions which happen too often:
  

You shouldn’t keep your passport with you. You are always losing things.

• 
  The Present Continuous is used for changing situations:
  

The weather is getting hotter, summer is coming.

• 
  The Present Continuous is used for arrangements and plans:
  

I’m meeting with Ann at the bus stop at 5 o’clock.

LESSON 2. PAST CONTINUOUS.
Structure:
P: S+was/were+Ving… I was repairing my car at 5 yesterday.
N: S+wasn’t/weren’t+Ving… I wasn’t repairing my car at 5 yesterday.
Sh.A.Q: Was/Were+S+ Ving...? Were you repairing your car at 5 yesterday?
Yes, S(p)+was/were. Yes, I was.
No, S(p)+wasn’t/weren’t. No, I wasn’t.
Q: Q.W.+was/were+S+ Ving...? When were you repairing your car?

• 
  The Past Continuous is used to talk about actions which were in progress at the said time in the past: My mother was cooking a meal at 8 o’clock yesterday evening.
  
• 
  The Past Continuous is used to describe situations and views in the past:
  

When I looked out of the window, the sun was shining, birds were singing, and some children were playing a ball.

• 
  The Past Continuous is used to say that one action happened in the middle of another action. (interrupted action):
  

I was working at my computer when you called me.