Circle the correct words in bold. then write what the words in each sentence express (ability in the present/ past/future, opportunity to do something, ability in a specific situation in the past). 1 you can / could use the computer now if you like. 2 in 100 years, we can / will be able to go on holiday in space. 3 the computer is working again. nurislam was able to / could fix it in half an hour. 4 you can / are able to go out with your friends if you finish your homework now.

1. He isn’t watching / doesn’t watch a match now. He is in the library.

2. Paddy often watches / is often watching football matches with his friends.

3. Do you work / Are you working or I can come in?

4. My English is getting / gets a lot better.

5. He usually stays / is staying in his flat in London, but he is staying / stays with his parents at the moment.

6. I spend / am spending more time with my girlfriend these days.

7. We don’t write/ aren’t writing to each other very often.

We use simple and progressive tenses with action verbs.

The meaning of the verb doesn’t change.

I often eat fruit.→ I’m eating an apple now.

I go home at lunchtime. .→I’m going home now.

Мы можем использовать только простые (неопределенные) времена глаголов, не обозначающих действия (e.g. believe, belong, hate, know, like, love, need, prefer, see, understand).

I want to be alone.

Yes, I remember now.

know realize understand recognize

believe feel suppose think*

imagine doubt remember forget

want need prefer mean

love like appreciate hate

dislike fear envy mind

care

possess have* own belong

taste* smell* hear feel*

see*

seem look* appear* cost

owe weigh* be* exist

consist of contain include

Глаголы, отмеченные звездочкой, могут также использоваться в длительных временах, но с другим значением, как в следующих предложениях:

Nonprogressive Progressive

I think he is a kind man. I am thinking

about this grammar.

He has a car. I am having

trouble.

This food tastes good. The chef is tasting

a sauce.

These flowers smell good. Don is smelling

the roses.