Questions, Present Progressive and Future Tenses

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/questions-present-progressive-future-tenses

Introduction

### Course Review: Questions, Present Progressive and Future Tenses #### Overview The course titled "Questions, Present Progressive and Future Tenses" on Coursera is an excellent opportunity for learners looking to enhance their understanding of English, particularly in forming questions and using different tenses effectively. This course provides a structured approach to learning about critical grammatical concepts that form the backbone of fluent English communication. To begin with, the course dives into questioning techniques, including how to form information questions in the simple present tense. You will then explore the present progressive tense, which allows you to express what is happening at the moment. Finally, it ventures into how to discuss the future using the phrases "to be going to" and the present progressive, along with the modal verb "can" to articulate abilities and possibilities. #### Syllabus Breakdown The course is divided into four weeks, each focusing on key aspects of English grammar. **Week 1: Information Questions in Simple Present** In the first week, you will learn about question words such as "who," "what," "where," and "why." This section emphasizes the difference between yes/no questions and information questions, providing clear examples to illustrate the concepts. For instance, the question "Where are you?" clearly shows how an information question is structured, setting the foundation for effective communication. **Week 2: Count/Noncount Nouns & Present Progressive** Building upon the first week, the second week introduces count and non-count nouns, which are essential for understanding how to quantify objects in English. Accompanying this, the course delves into the present progressive tense, providing valuable insights into how to form this tense and the process for creating negative sentences. **Week 3: Present Progressive Questions & Signal Words** In the third week, the focus shifts to constructing questions in the present progressive tense. This segment is particularly beneficial for learners who may confuse the simple present and present progressive. By comparing sentences such as “I speak English” and “I am speaking English,” the course clarifies when to use each tense correctly, highlighting the role of time signal words in context. **Week 4: Future Forms & Can** The final week covers future tenses by teaching participants how to use "be going to" and the present progressive. This week also introduces the modal verb "can," allowing learners to express abilities and possibilities. This comprehensive examination of future forms equips learners with practical tools to discuss upcoming events or planned actions. #### Recommendation I highly recommend "Questions, Present Progressive and Future Tenses" for anyone looking to solidify their command of English grammar. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refresh your knowledge, this course offers a clear, structured approach to learning that emphasizes practical application. The engaging content and hands-on exercises will help reinforce your understanding, making it easier to communicate effectively in English. With the flexibility of Coursera, you can learn at your own pace, revisit challenging topics, and practice through interactive exercises. If you're looking to boost your confidence in forming questions and using different tenses in English, this course is a worthy investment in your language-learning journey. Don’t miss the chance to develop a crucial skill set that will serve you well in both personal and professional contexts!

Syllabus

Information Questions Simple Present

We will start this week with question words. You will learn how to ask information questions in the simple present. Information questions are questions where the answer is not "yes" or "no." The answer is some information. For example, “Where are you?” is an information question because the answer is not “yes.” It is, “I’m at school.”

This week, you will learn more about nouns: count nouns and non-count nouns. This will help you ask questions like “How many brothers do you have?” and “How much time do you need?” Then we will look at the present progressive. This is another verb tense in English. The present progressive tells about things that are happening now. You will learn about how to form it and also how to make the negative.

This week is all about asking questions with the present progressive. You will learn how to ask yes/no questions and information questions. Then we will compare simple present and present progressive so you can see when to use each. You will learn about signal words and the difference between sentences like “I speak English” and “I am speaking English.”

Now that you know how to form the present progressive, this week you will see how we use “be going to” and the present progressive to talk about the future. You will also learn how to use “can” to talk about what you can and can’t do.