I’m living with my parents because...
Analysis present continuous (progressive)
Meaning: used to talk about a temporary action or state which began at some unknown point in the past, is currently in progress (or occurring repeatedly) and will be completed, or stopped at some point. The action has a limited duration and is usually taking place at the time of speaking, although sometimes it can refer to the future.
Form: Present tense of verb ‘to be’ (am/are/is) + present participle
(verb + ing)
Pronunciation: Contraction of am to ‘m (I’m), are to ‘re (you’re) and is to ‘s (she’s)
Checking Understanding
Is it in the past/present/future? (in this case present, sometimes future)
When did I start? (we don’t know)
Will it end? (yes)
When will it end? (we don’t know)
Is it happening once? (no)
Is it happening continuously? (yes)
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Timeline _______________I_______________ now Anticipated Problems and Solutions with Meaning, Form and Pronunciation
Problem: students may confuse the use of the present continuous for a current action (happening now) with its use for a future action (which will take place later).
Solution: explain that the difference in use depends on the context and use examples and concept questions to illustrate this.
Problem: students may leave out the auxiliary verb (to be) before the present participle (for example: I going to town).
Solution: explain that in this case the -ing form is only used with the verb ‘to be’ (am, are, is). Model and drill with the class.
Reference
Grammar for English language Teachers (2000) by Martin Parrott (Cambridge University Press)
2. Structure
I have to work long hours because...
Analysis
Meaning: used to show obligation, an action which is imposed upon someone [some course books use it to express external obligation (imposed by someone else) as opposed to ‘must’ which expresses internal obligation (imposed by oneself)]
Form: