LEARNING ENGLISH GRAMMAR THROUGH MOVIES: THE BASICS OF THE SIMPLE PRESENT AND PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSES

English learners often struggle to absorb grammar rules when they are taught in isolation from real-life contexts. Traditional textbooks and grammar exercises may explain the form and use of tenses, but they can feel abstract and disconnected from authentic communication. One effective way to make grammar more engaging and easier to understand is by using film and media. Movies offer practical examples of spoken English and can be particularly useful in demonstrating grammatical tenses in action. This article focuses on two foundational tenses in English: the simple present and the present continuous. It also explores how movie scenes and quotes can serve as valuable tools in illustrating their use.

Simple Present Tense

The simple present tense is used to describe habits, general truths, and permanent situations. It is also occasionally used for scheduled future events. As noted by EF Education First, the simple present tense follows this consistent structure:

• Structure: Subject + base verb (add “-s” or “-es” for third-person singular)
  • I walk to school.

  • She walks to school.

• Usage:
  • Habits and routines:
    • “He drinks coffee every morning.”

  • General truths:
    • “Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.”

  • Permanent situations:
    • “She lives in London.”

  • Scheduled events (future meaning):
    • “The train leaves at 8 o’clock.”

Common time expressions for this tense include “always,” “usually,” “every day,” “on weekends,” and “in the morning.”

Present Continuous Tense

The present continuous tense is used to describe actions happening at the moment of speaking, temporary events, trends or changes, and repeated actions that the speaker finds annoying. According to the British Council, this tense is formed as follows:

• Structure: Subject + am/is/are + verb + “-ing”
  • I am working.

  • She is working.

  • They are working.

• Usage:
  • Actions happening right now:
    • “She is watching TV at the moment.”

  • Temporary situations:
    • “I am staying with my cousin this week.”

  • Trends or changes:
    • “More people are working from home.”

  • Annoying repeated actions (with ‘always’):
    • “He is always losing his keys.”

Time expressions commonly used with this tense include “now,” “at the moment,” “currently,” and “these days.”

Let’s See Some Examples from Movies!

Using movies to teach grammar allows learners to observe how these tenses are naturally used in conversation. This creates a meaningful context, making it easier for students to remember and apply what they learn. Below are a few examples from well-known films that illustrate both tenses effectively.

Simple Present Tense in Movies:

• “I see dead people.” (The Sixth Sense, 1999) – A statement of fact.

• “Life is like a box of chocolates.” (Forrest Gump, 1994) – A general truth.

• “Everything the light touches is our kingdom.” (The Lion King, 1994) – A declaration about the natural world.

• “The Force is what gives a Jedi his power.” (Star Wars: A New Hope, 1977) – An explanation of a general principle.

Present Continuous Tense in Movies:

• “I am walking here!” (Midnight Cowboy, 1969) – An action occurring at the moment of speaking.

• “I am trying to control my web-shooters.” (Spider-Man, 2002) – A temporary, ongoing action.

• “The other students are coming aboard the train right now.” (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, 2001) – An event currently in progress.

• “I am running and running, and people are following me from all over.” (Forrest Gump, 1994) – A series of continuous actions.

Through these examples, learners can observe how the grammar functions in emotionally and visually memorable contexts. The integration of grammar and storytelling reinforces understanding and encourages learners to think in English rather than translating from their first language. Instructors can use movie clips for listening practice, writing exercises, and speaking activities that require students to identify tenses and use them in new contexts.

In conclusion, learning the simple present and present continuous tenses is essential for communicating clearly in English. While grammar instruction provides the rules, movies provide the application. By combining both approaches, students can develop a deeper and more practical command of the language.

References

British Council. (n.d.). Present continuous. British Council. Retrieved May 27, 2025, from https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar/english-grammar-reference/present-continuous

EF Education First. (n.d.). Simple present tense in English. EF. Retrieved May 27, 2025, from https://www.ef.com/wwen/english-resources/english-grammar/simple-present-tense/