A1 · Lesson 8 · 25 min
Checkpoint: people and daily life
In this lesson
- I can make simple sentences about people and daily life.
- I can choose the present simple or present continuous.
Grammar in context
Maya is a café worker. She usually starts work at seven. Her brother Leo studies at home, but today he is helping Maya in the café. They are busy now.
Which action is Maya’s usual routine, and which action is happening today?
People and things
Use a subject before be: I am, you are, he is, she is, it is, we are and they are. Use be to say who someone is or describe them. Use possessive adjectives before a noun: my, your, his, her, its, our and their.
- I am a new student.
- Their dog is very friendly.
One thing and daily routines
Use a or an with one singular countable noun. Choose an before a vowel sound. For routines, use the present simple. With he, she and it, most verbs take -s. Questions and negatives use do or does, followed by the base verb.
- Nora is an artist.
- Does Sam walk to college? Yes, he does.
Now or usually
Use am, is or are plus a verb ending in -ing for an action happening now. Use the present simple for habits and regular actions. In present continuous questions, put am, is or are before the subject. Do not use do with an -ing verb.
- We are waiting for the bus now.
- I cook dinner on Fridays.
Common mistakes
Compare the incorrect and corrected forms.
Avoid
She don't work on Sundays.
Use
She doesn't work on Sundays.
Use doesn't with she, he and it.
Avoid
Are they play football now?
Use
Are they playing football now?
After are, use the verb ending in -ing.
Put it into practice
Try the exercises, write your own examples and check your understanding.