ESL
In this class students are set to learn about the present continuous tense as a teaching point. In this lesson, the present continuous tense tends to look at things that a person has already set to do in the prior days. It is applied in reference to actions or circumstances that are taking place in the present time. It may also be applied in meaning the actions or circumstances that are done but for a short period of time. Take for instance, the example
- I’m set to see Harley at 4 pm and then I’m having a dinner date with my girlfriend Beryl.
- She’s cooking lunch for me back at home.
- The industry is set to employ more workers during this coming month.
There is also the other common application of the present continuous for the future which talks more of the future activities. In the circumstances that we talk about future plans we are able to put to application the present continuous or otherwise going to the future. In the application of the present continuous tense, it brings more to light a proposition to which an arrangement has been set. It may also be a plan or an intention to undertake a certain activity or task. The sentences about the present continuous tense, which the students will be presented to, are composed of words or phrases which talk about the future time or instance. The following examples bring this statement out very clearly:
- I’m heading to the south of town. / I’m heading south.
- I’m set to accomplish it today. / I’m accomplishing it.
We are able to put to application the present simple when discussing events in the future which are set. We are also able to use the present continuous to discuss about:
- The office opens at 7.00am
- The sun sets at 6.30pm tomorrow.
- My taxi leaves at 3.00 pm.
For the purpose of the future actions or circumstances putting to application the present continuous, the entire common future time words and phrases may be put to use:
- This morning
- Tonight
- The following day
- The day after tomorrow
Most important when putting to use these present continuous for future use, is that there are some verbs, action words or circumstances in the sentences which are not to be applied in use with the present continuous with a future meaning (Learn English Language Well, 2012). This is for the reason that they do not share part to plan, arrangement or even an intention. The present continuous tense for the future may only be applied when an action or circumstance is logically planned prior to it happening:
My head’s aching tomorrow. Is not possible
She is involved an accident next month. Is not possible
In the present continuous tense for the future, the students are set to learn of the meaning and how to put to use the present continuous tense, the meaning of the future tense and how to apply it in a sentence and finally the integration of the two so as to bring out a combined meaning and put it to a perfect use in sentences. The students are also set to get know instances as to where these form of tense are not to be applied.
Bibliography
Learn English Language Well (2012). Present Continuous for future. Language Well- Communicating in English.
