In English, there are many ways to talk about actions that happen in the present. From habits to routines, we use different words and phrases to describe how often or how regularly something occurs.
Here there is a list of different expressions to say how often things happen.
| Phrase | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Tend to do something (tend + infinitive) | Something happens frequently, but not all the time. | I tend to eat breakfast around 8 am. |
| As a rule (As a rule, + SVO) | Something usually happens, but there may be exceptions. | As a rule, I go to bed at 10 pm, but sometimes I stay up later. |
| On the whole (On the whole, +SVO) | Something generally happens. | On the whole, I enjoy studying English. |
| Regularly | Something happens at fixed intervals or at certain times. | I regularly go to the gym on Mondays and Thursdays. |
| Frequently | Something happens often. | I frequently check my email throughout the day. |
| From time to time (From time to time, + SVO) | Something happens occasionally, but not on a regular basis. | From time to time, I like to try new foods. |
| Every now and then (Every now and then, +SVO) (SVO + every now and then) | Something happens occasionally, but not on a regular basis. | Every now and then, I like to go for a walk. |
| Every now and again (Every now and again, +SVO) (SVO + every now and again) | Something happens occasionally, but not on a regular basis. | Every now and again, I watch a movie on the weekend. |
| Has/Have the habit of + gerund | Someone often does a certain action. | She has the habit of biting her nails when she’s nervous. |
| Always + present continuous | We use this form to talk about positive things that happen a lot or annoying things | She is always smiling. She’s always coming to my office and asking annoying questions |
| Constantly + present continuous | Someone is doing something continuously. | She is constantly checking her phone. |
Grammar Practice
Exercise 1: Read the interview questions with an English student.
Questions:
- What time do you usually get up on weekdays?
- What do you usually do before your English class?
- What are your classes like?
- Do you work? If so, what hours do you work?
- What is your best study tip?
- Do you have any study habits you think are unhelpful?
- How do you tend to spend your weekend?
- What do you usually do on Saturdays?
Exercise 2: These are the answers of the student. Put the words in the correct order. Copy the sentences in your notebook.
Answers:
Speaking Practice
Work in pairs. Ask and answer the questions in Exercise 1.
Board Game
For High-Intermediate students
🎲 Board Game Instructions:
- Start Here 🏁: Begin the game by placing your token on the “START” space.
- Roll the Dice 🎲: Each player rolls the dice to move forward.
- Move Your Token ➡️: Move the number of spaces shown on the dice.
- Land on a Space:
- Look at the picture 🖼️.
- Create a detailed sentence using the phrase about present habits in the key. Add more details to your sentence (e.g. reasons or descriptions).
- Phrases about present habits: 1= constantly, 2= tend to, 3= have a habit of, 4= on the whole, 5= as a rule, 6= from time to time. Examples: I am constantly making money./ I have a habit of doing the dishes at night.
6. Finish: 🏆 The first player to reach the finish wins the challenge!
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