Superfoods like olive oil, avocados, whole grains, and cruciferous vegetables contain health-boosting nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants.
Eating a variety of these foods can help protect against disease and promote well-being. But how much of each to eat? Below you will discover just how much and how often to eat many of these superfoods.
Photo credit: healthygreensavvy©
Part 2 of the series on patriotic poems
The Fourth of July celebrates America’s independence and few poems remind us of the sacrifices required during the Revolutionary War better than Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Concord Hymn.” It was sung at the completion of the Concord Battle Monument on April 19, 1837.
Emerson settled in Concord, Massachusetts after marrying his second wife, Lydia Jackson, in 1835. He was known for his admiration of self-reliance and individualism. These two factors seem to have a heavy influence on the personal nature and deep patriotic feelings he penned in this poem.
The last line of the first stanza — “the shot heard round the world” — was quickly made famous and remains a hallmark for describing the valiant efforts of the American revolutionaries.
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world,
The foe long since in silence slept,
Alike the Conqueror silent sleeps,
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone,
That memory may their deed redeem,
When like our sires our sons are gone.
Spirit! who made those freemen dare
To die, or leave their children free,
Bid time and nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and Thee.
This was not the only patriotic poem Emerson wrote. In 1904, 22 years after his death, “A Nation’s Strength” was published. The poet’s patriotic zeal appears once again in lines like “Men who for truth and honor’s sake/Stand fast and suffer long.”
The opening lines of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s 1863 poem are etched in the memories of many Americans. The poet was known for his lyrical poems that retraced historical events and in 1863, “Paul Revere’s Ride” was published, giving Americans a new, amazingly detailed, and dramatically versed look at one of the most famous nights in the country’s short history.
Listen, my children, and you shall hear
Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,
On the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-five;
Hardly a man is now alive
Who remembers that famous day and year.
“O Ship of State” (“The Republic” from “The Building of the Ship,” 1850) – A contemporary of both Emerson and Whitman, Longfellow also saw the building of a young country and this influenced many of his poems.
Though it reads as a simple poetic description of shipbuilding, it is, in reality, a metaphor for the building of America. Piece by piece, the country came together, just as those ships built near Longfellow’s Portland, Maine home.
The patriotic enthusiasm of “O Ship of State” extended beyond America. Franklin Roosevelt quoted the opening lines in a personal letter to Winston Churchhill during World War II to rally his ally’s spirit.
Though those are some of the most noted poems appropriate for Independence Day, they are not alone. The following verses are equally popular and express national pride perfectly.
Source: https://www.thoughtco.com/poems-for-independence-day-2725474
National Pride and Patriotic Fervor, Celebrate the Fourth in Verse
Patriotism is the theme for the Fourth of July. Many poets have taken on the subject over the years and their words, even in part, have been engrained in the minds of millions of Americans. From Whitman to Emerson and Longfellow to Blake and beyond, these are the poems that have inspired patriots for years.
The collection of Walt Whitman’s poems known as “Leaves of Grass” was published a total of seven times during the poet’s lifetime. Each edition held different poems and in the 1860 edition, “I Hear America Singing” made its debut. Yet, Whitman made some changes, and the version below is the 1867 version.
The differences between the two editions are minimal at best. Most notably, the first verse was changed from “American mouth-songs!” to the lyrical lines you’ll find below.
It is quite interesting to note that the two editions were printed just prior to and after the Civil War. In the context of the country during that time, Whitman’s words take on an even more powerful meaning. America was divided, but the differences were not extreme when viewed from the songs of the individual.
I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear.
Those of mechanics—each one singing his, as it should be, blithe and strong.
The carpenter singing his, as he measures his plank or beam.
The mason singing his, as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work.
The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat—the deckhand singing on the steamboat deck.
The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench—the hatter singing as he stands.
The wood-cutter’s song—the ploughboy’s, on his way in the morning, or at the noon intermission, or at sundown.
The delicious singing of the mother—or of the young wife at work. Or of the girl sewing or washing.
Each singing what belongs to her, and to none else.
The day what belongs to the day.
At night, the party of young fellows, robust, friendly,
Singing, with open mouths, their strong melodious songs.
The many editions of “Leaves of Grass” are filled with poems on a variety of subject matter. When it comes to patriotism, Whitman penned some of the best poetry and this contributed to his notoriety as one of America’s great poets.
(first published in the 1867 edition) – The poet spends this poem in a contemplative state marked with talk of liberty and freedom. Lines like “Chant me the poem, it said, that comes from the soul of America.” And “O America because you build for mankind I build for you” are inspiring. At the same time, the narrator seems haunted by troubles and questions.
(first published in the 1856 edition) – An epic piece of poetry, Whitman embodies too many facets of America and Americans in this poem to note in a brief summary. It is a wonderful look at the individual spirit that formed the country and the strength it took from each and every person through the powerful symbol of the broad-axe.
Source: https://www.thoughtco.com/poems-for-independence-day-2725474
Photo credit: Tetra Images – Erik Isakson/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
Part 2 tomorrow
Cancerians are symbolized by the crab, a creature with a hard shell and soft underbelly. This reflects the duality of Cancer’s personality: they are tough and protective on the outside but nurturing and emotional on the inside. Learn more about Cancer’s personality and compatibility.
The symbol of the Cancer Zodiac Sign is usually the crab and its claws. Sometimes, you may see the crab sign symbol depicted as a sideways “69” to represent crab claws or a woman’s breast.
Cancer, the water sign symbolized by the crab, is a creature of both strength and sensitivity. Ruled by the emotional Moon, Cancers wear their hearts on their sleeves. They possess a deep well of intuition, allowing them to understand others’ feelings and their own. Like the crab’s hard shell, Cancers project a protective exterior. However, within lies a nurturing and caring soul. This emotional depth can lead to mood swings. However, their compassion and strong bonds with loved ones make them fiercely loyal friends and family members.
You are the Patriarchs and Matriarchs of the Zodiac. Family means everything to you. You watch over your brood with determination and zeal. You can be counted upon to be at every graduation, wedding, surprise party, or barbecue that has anything to do with your relatives. They are definitely your tribe, and you are very generous with all of them.
Many of you have very strong careers, as you know that this is the best way to provide for your family. Others love being stay-at-home parents because who could care more about your children than you? You want to see them succeed and will do everything in your power to make that happen.
Home and family are so important to you that you are willing to submerge your own wants and desires for the good of your immediate group. Often quite ambitious, you seek to get ahead in order to provide the best for your loved ones.
Cooking comes naturally to you as you understand that nourishment is the key to good health. Chefs are among your ranks, as are nurses and doctors who take care of the physically disabled or ill. You are sensitive to the extreme and can always tell when something is wrong with one of your charges. Walking into a room full of depressed people instantly depresses you.
You like soft tones and low lights and prefer to allude to the things that you find difficult. You may have trouble being direct like your totem, the crab who sidesteps. This can lead to misunderstandings, so you need to find a way to be clear. Writing things may be a solution.
Interestingly, on July 4, 1776, there was not just one planet in Cancer, but four. Since we celebrate our birthday as a nation on this date, is it any wonder that we have trouble dealing with our issues?
As a partner or a parent, you are among the best. All those around you never have to wonder if you care because you show it repeatedly.
The Crab is a faint constellation best seen during summer nights in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s one of the zodiac constellations, meaning the sun passes through its path during the year. Despite its lack of bright stars, Cancer has a long history. Ancient Greeks mapped their stars centuries ago.
Spotting Cancer can be a challenge. Look between the constellations Gemini and Leo. You’ll need a dark sky for the best view. However, Cancer holds a hidden gem: the Beehive Cluster (also called M44). This cluster of hundreds of stars is visible to the naked eye under clear skies, earning it the nickname “Beehive” for its resemblance to a buzzing hive.
Taurus knows how to make you their one and only, and the back rubs are to die for. Pisces understands your sensitive nature and is always willing to listen to the tales of your day.
Scorpio can read your moods and will delve into the levels of emotions with you. Virgo will keep things organized and make sure that the rent gets paid.
Over the course of history, there have been a number of historical figures, politicians, musicians, and celebrities who were Cancers. These include:
Source: https://www.almanac.com/cancer-zodiac-sign
Related: Zodiac Signs: Just Wondering if You are into This – TUTORING YOU
We’ve all been there: had a bad day at work, the kids won’t stop screaming and there is nothing in the fridge for dinner. It never ends. You feel like you will never catch up. Life is full of surprises. We can’t go back, and we can’t predict the future.
And sometimes, you forget to take care of yourself in the process.
You could be going through a tough time. Perhaps you’ve just had a recent breakup or did a sudden move.
You may also be struggling with anxiety or depression. If that is the case, it’s best to talk to a professional and get it properly treated. Causes of anxiety or depression vary from environmental to chemical.
Self-care should not be something you do once in a while when you’re exhausted. You need to get into the practice of taking care of yourself every day. This helps prevent burnout.
When you learn how to take care of yourself, you feel better about yourself — it shows. Your family and friends will also notice.
It’s so important to make sure you take good care of your body, mind, and soul every day, not just when you get sick. Learning how to eat right, reduce stress, exercise regularly, and take a time-out when you need it are touchstones of self-care and can help you stay healthy, happy, and resilient.
Practicing self-care isn’t always easy. Most of us are crazy busy, have stressful jobs, or are too consumed with technology to make time for ourselves. Me-time is usually last on the agenda. Worse, we can sometimes feel guilty about taking the time required to take care of ourselves. So getting started with self-care can be challenging. In my new book, Outsmart Your Smartphone: Conscious Tech Habits for Finding Happiness, Balance, and Connection IRL, I teach folks how to find time and make space for self-care. But here are some additional tips that you won’t find in the book to get you started with your self-care.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to engage in self-care. You can read about self-care strategies, join self-care programs, or work with a coach or therapist who can help support your progress. No matter what you choose, the goal is to figure out which self-care strategies work best for you, learn how to use these strategies, and implement them in your regular routine so you can boost your well-being not only today but forever.
Sleep can have a huge effect on how you feel both emotionally and physically. Not getting enough can even cause major health issues. But stress and other distractions can wreak havoc on our sleep.
What do you do to make sleep part of a self-care routine? Start by thinking about your nightly routine. Are you eating or drinking immediately before bed? If so, it’s especially important to stay away from caffeine and sugar, which tend to keep you awake.
Reducing stress is also key. If you have work-related stress, think about the best ways to calm yourself after a hard day or relax more while on the job. You might talk to your employer about lessening your workload or settle a disagreement with a coworker.
Next, make sure your bedroom is the best possible place for you to get good REM sleep. It should be free of distractions (such as a television, laptop, cellphone, etc.). And make sure you have room-darkening curtains to keep the sun from waking you up too early in the mornings.
Your gut health can have a significant impact on your health, well-being, and feelings of vitality. The types of foods you eat crucially impact the bacteria that live in your stomach, resulting in a cascade of either positive or negative outcomes. Healing the gut can lead to an unhappy person, and vice-versa.
We all know exercise is good for us, but do we really know how good it is? Daily exercise can help you both physically and mentally, boosting your mood and reducing stress and anxiety, not to mention helping you shed extra weight.
Of course, it might be hard to go to the gym every day, so try to incorporate other exercises, such as walking, tennis, or yoga, which may be able to fit into your schedule more easily. The most important thing is to create a routine that works for you.
The food we eat has the potential to either keep us healthy or contribute to weight gain or diseases such as diabetes, but it can also keep our minds working and alert. Eating the right foods can help prevent short-term memory loss and inflammation, both of which can have long-term effects on the brain and, in turn, the rest of the body. Some of the most amazing self-care foods include fatty fish, blueberries, nuts, green leafy veggies, and brassicas, like broccoli.
Learning to say no is really hard; many of us feel obligated to say yes when someone asks for our time or energy. However, if you’re already stressed or overworked, saying yes to loved ones or coworkers can lead to burnout, anxiety, and irritability. It may take a little practice, but once you learn how to politely say no, you’ll start to feel more self-confident, and you’ll have more time for your self-care.
Taking a self-care trip can make a huge difference in your life. Even if you’re not feeling particularly stressed, getting away for a weekend every now and then can help you disconnect, relax, and be rejuvenated. These self-care trips don’t have to be costly; simply drive to the next town over and see the sights, or go camping nearby. The goal is to veer away from your normal schedule and take the time to do something just for yourself.
Spending time outside can help you reduce stress, lower your blood pressure, and live in the moment. Studies have even shown that getting outside can help reduce fatigue, making it a great way to overcome symptoms of depression or burnout. Getting outside can also help you sleep better at night, especially if you do some physical activity, like gardening, hiking, or walking while you are outside.
Pets can bring a boost to our lives. From giving unconditional love to providing companionship, pets can be hugely beneficial for our self-care. Dogs especially can help reduce stress and feelings of anxiety and can even lower blood pressure. In fact, many people who suffer from disorders like PTSD have benefited from working daily with animals, which is why service dogs have become so helpful for these individuals.
Getting organized is often the first step to becoming a healthier you because it allows you to figure out exactly what you need to do to take better care of yourself. A small change, like keeping a planner or a calendar on the fridge, can help you write down all your responsibilities and appointments, while at the same time keeping your life a bit more organized. You can also create an area to keep keys, purses, backpacks, briefcases, and coats, and make sure they’re ready to go for the next day.
Many people don’t take the time to make themselves meals, preferring instead to stop for fast food or popping a pre-made meal in the microwave. But these “fast” meals aren’t usually sufficient when it comes to feeding your body the right kinds of calories and nutrients. Even if it’s only once a week, consider making a healthy meal for yourself or your whole family. You could even look into a meal delivery service or meal kit that can help you get started.
In today’s fast-paced world, we tend to turn to our phones for entertainment or comfort, scrolling through news feeds that can contribute to our stress and worries rather than helping it. Instead, consider bringing a self-help book with you when you leave the house. Even better, bring books on self-care so that you can learn more about how to take care of yourself while you are taking care of yourself. You might be amazed at the difference it can make when you slow down instead of always looking at your phone. Not only can it help improve your mood, but it can also help you to stay more present and mindful.
It can be hard for us all to find extra time. But it’s extremely important to plan regular self-care time. Moments alone can help you to ponder the best ways to move forward in your life and keep you grounded. And moments with friends can help you feel more connected and relaxed.
Whether you decide you want to go for a long walk, take a hot bath, or enjoy a good movie with friends, taking self-care time is imperative. Look for small ways you can incorporate it into everyday life; for example, you might wake up 15 minutes earlier to sit with a cup of tea and practice deep breathing before the chaos of the day begins, or you might take a walk around the block on your lunch break. The more you can work self-care time into your schedule, the better you’ll be able to grow, enjoy your life, and thrive.
Source: http://www.psychologytoday.com©
Photo: Kaylah Otto Via Unsplash
Related: Are You Living Your Best Life? 20 Questions to Ask Yourself Right Now – TUTORING YOU
There are many ornamental plants, herbs, and even vegetables that reseed. Some need a favorable environment to reseed, such as well-drained, fertile soil, and mild winters. Others seem to self-seed where they drop, regardless of the conditions. Birds and wind, too, help disperse the seeds, so you may find plants all over the place.
If you want to manage self-seeders, you can harvest the seeds yourself before they drop. Watch for the ripening seeds in late summer or fall and collect them when they mature, usually when they turn dark brown. Plant them where you want them or hold them over till spring.
Many vegetables, such as tomatoes and squash, may return the next year, although hybrid plants won’t be the same as the parent. Herbs, such as parsley, dill, fennel, chamomile, and cilantro drop seeds that easily grow. Self-seeding plants may take a while to appear in gardens. Many will not germinate and grow until the soil heats up.
Borage (Borago officinalis) is an all-purpose herb with superstar qualities. It isn’t bothered by pests and disease, it is a great companion plant for veggies, it attracts pollinators, blooms all summer, and is edible! It self seeds readily, but if it gets out of hand, the seedlings pull up easily and can be composted. Seeds develop when the flower petals drop off.
Larkspur (Consolida ajacis) is one of those plants that once you grow it, you will welcome its tall pink, blue, white, or purple flower spikes every summer. Rich, well-drained soil in full sun is its preferred environment to return. The slender seed pods rattle when the seeds are dry if you brush against them. Pull the stems up, crush the seedpods open and shake them over your garden.
Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia) is prized for its bright orange, daisy-like flowers on tall, branching stems. Tithonia is a favorite of hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, and once discovered by hummers, they will guard it as their own. If some of the flowers are left to go to seed, they will form after the petals drop. Squirrels and birds may eat the seeds, so leave plenty to reseed, or collect them from the seed head. It may not show up till mid-summer, so do not give up.
California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) feels right at home in loamy, well-drained soil. It is a short-lived perennial with ferny foliage and orange, cup-shaped flowers that work well in the front of the border or in rock gardens. After flowering, elongated seed pods form. Leave them on the plant till the seeds turn dark brown. When ripe, the seed pod splits, ejecting the seeds from the plant.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a biennial herb grown for its nutrient-rich, flavorful leaves that look attractive tucked in among other plants. Seeds are formed the second year after flowering. If left undisturbed, seeds mature and drop. Parsley is a host plant for the Eastern Black Swallowtail butterfly so you may see its caterpillars munching on the plant. Be sure to grow extra!
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is another superstar plant with medicinal qualities; a pollinator favorite; lovely, daisy-like dark-pink flowers, and food for birds. After flowering, seeds form in the center cone. Finches relish the seeds and may beat you to them. The plant readily self seeds so be prepared. The clump also expands.
Sea holly (Eryngium planum) is a self-seeding perennial plant with a rigid stem structure and unusual, spiky, blue flower heads. It blooms all summer, and butterflies frequent the unique flowers. It will grow in poor, dry soil and works well in a cottage or rock garden or in containers. You can deadhead the faded blooms but leave some alone to go to seed.
Tall verbena (Verbena bonariensis) is a tender perennial that is hardy in USDA zones 7-11. It readily self seeds in colder climates. Pollinators love the tiny purple flowers borne on tall, stiff stems. Tall verbena could be moved to the thug list because it is on the invasive plant list in Georgia and Oregon.
Source: Gardening Know How©
Related: Create a herbaceous border with Self-Seeders – TUTORING YOU
Green tea gets plenty of buzz for its blood pressure benefits, but dietitians say other beverages may offer more.
High blood pressure causes your heart to work harder and puts extra force on your arteries, which can make them stiffer and less flexible over time. Left unmanaged, it can raise the risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular complications.
Your lifestyle, including what you eat and drink, plays an important role in blood pressure management. “Food and drink affect how much fluid the body holds onto, the balance of important minerals like sodium and potassium, how well blood vessels work, and overall health factors such as inflammation and gut health,” explains Dani Lebovitz, M.S., RDN.
Green tea often gets attention for its blood pressure benefits, thanks to plant compounds called catechins that may help blood vessels relax and support smoother blood flow. But it’s not the only beverage that may help. Learn more about the drinks dietitians recommend for even more blood pressure–supporting benefits.
Although research on prune juice and blood pressure is limited, prune juice contains compounds associated with heart health and blood pressure reduction. Prunes are an excellent source of antioxidants, potassium and fiber. One cup of canned prune juice provides 2.5 grams of fiber and 707 milligrams of potassium, which is 27% of the recommended daily value for potassium for women. “Research shows that higher fiber intake is associated with better blood pressure and cardiovascular health, and emerging evidence suggests the gut microbiome may also play a role in blood pressure regulation,” explains Lebovitz.
Prune juice is a great on-the-go option to support blood pressure. “Many brands offer convenient single-serve cans that are easy to keep in the pantry, toss into a lunch bag or enjoy alongside breakfast without much prep work or overthinking,” shares Lebovitz.
Hibiscus tea is a refreshing herbal beverage that you can drink hot or iced. Polyphenols in hibiscus tea help relax blood vessels, contributing to lower blood pressure. Additionally, hibiscus may inhibit enzymes that are involved in regulating blood pressure, thus helping to lower it.
Lebovitz recommends steeping the tea for 5 to 10 minutes to bring out the flavor and beneficial plant compounds. “During the hot summer months, its tart fruity flavor is great served cold with frozen berries,” she adds.
Pomegranate contains antioxidants, like punicalagins and anthocyanins, that support arterial elasticity and inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme activity, which influences blood pressure, per Payton Brewer, M.S., RD, CPT. According to one analysis, regular consumption of pomegranates is associated with reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Brewer recommends choosing 100% pomegranate juice with no added sugar, rather than cocktail versions. “Try diluting it with sparkling water if the tartness is too intense,” she adds.
Beets are a significant source of dietary nitrates. “The body turns these into nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels relax and widen so blood can flow through more easily,” describes Lebovitz. Research shows that consuming beetroot juice daily can significantly lower systolic blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.
Drinking just 2.5 to 8 ounces of beetroot juice can have meaningful effects on blood pressure and heart health. The amount of nitrates in beetroot juice varies, depending on whether you use juice or concentrate. Make sure to choose a beetroot juice instead of a cocktail to ensure greater potency.
“Beetroot juice has a bold and earthy flavor,” explains Lebovitz. “Because of its intense flavor, try combining it with another juice like apple or zesty flavors like lemon or ginger,” she adds.
Oranges contain the compound hesperidin, a flavonoid recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. One study found that drinking 500 milliliters of orange juice or hesperidin-enriched orange juice per day (roughly the equivalent of two 8-ounce glasses) for 12 weeks was associated with reductions in systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure among individuals with pre- and stage-1 hypertension, explains Lauren Manaker, M.S., RDN, LD. “The researchers also noted that the hesperidin-enriched version showed acute benefits after just a single dose, with stronger effects emerging after sustained intake over time,” adds Manaker.
Two big glasses of juice are a pretty big daily portion, and most of your fruit should be whole fruit for the fiber benefits. However, enjoying a small glass of orange juice with your breakfast or as a post-workout recovery drink may be a good idea for blood pressure.
Beverages can be a helpful addition to your routine, but the biggest blood pressure benefits come from pairing them with other heart-healthy habits.
Green tea isn’t the only beverage you can sip for blood pressure benefits. Prune juice, hibiscus tea, pomegranate juice, beet juice and orange juice each offer unique nutrients that may support healthier blood pressure levels.
Still, no single drink can make up for an overall lifestyle pattern that works against heart health. “The research on these drinks is compelling but just adding these juices to a high-sodium, low-fiber diet will not move the needle the way the studies suggest,” explains Brewer. For the greatest benefit, pair these beverages with other habits that support blood pressure, such as moving your body regularly, managing stress and incorporating more potassium-rich foods into your diet.
Source: http://www.eatingwell.com/
Reviewed by Dietitian Lisa Valente, M.S., RD
© Recipe photo: Ana Cadena. EatingWell design.
Related: Do You Take Vitamin D and Have High Blood Pressure? Read on. – TUTORING YOU
Loving someone with PTSD can be a complex journey involving patience, understanding, and love from friends, family, or even the individual themselves. To help, learn about the disorder, understand its causes, and access treatment and support options. Support from family and friends is crucial for people with PTSD, as they may create problems with trust or make it difficult to talk.
To help, it is important to be sensitive and empathetic to their emotions and offer comfort and warmth. Also, let the person know that it is okay to talk. There are many resources available to help gain understanding, learn tools to cope, and build stronger relationships through tough times.
However, in addition to providing support, there is much more one can do to help. It is unquestionably important to listen to your loved one, avoid judgment and learn their triggers. Also, plan ahead for difficult times, respecting their personal space, and looking out for any warning signs. Encourage your loved one to seek professional support through therapy, coaching, or support groups.
In summary, understanding and supporting a loved one with PTSD is crucial for their well-being and overall well-being. By providing space for open communication, understanding, and support, you can help them navigate the challenges of PTSD and build stronger relationships.
Source: https://anxietytozen.com/
Related: June is PTSD Awareness Month – TUTORING YOU
PTSD-Love is all we Need – TUTORING YOU
These basic English lessons provide the most important learning points for beginning level English learners. Use these short lessons to study for tests, review basic English essentials, or check your understanding of the basics.
Lesson 23: Present Continuous Tense
Use the present continuous to speak about what is happening at the present moment in time.
Subject + to be + verb + ing + objects
Subject + are not + verb + ing + objects
Wh? + do + subject + verb + ing + objects?
NOTE: We use time expressions like ‘at the moment, currently, this week – month’ with this form of the present continuous.
Use the present simple to talk about activities or routines which take place on a regular basis.
Use the present continuous to speak about what is happening at the present moment in time, around the present moment, or for a future scheduled event.
Stative verbs are verbs which express a state. Action verbs are verbs which express something a person does.
Stative verbs cannot be used in the continuous forms. Here is a list of common stative verbs:
Sometimes the past simple and the present perfect are confused. It is important to remember that the past simple is used to express a finished past action which occurs at a specific moment in the past. The present perfect is used to express something that happened at an unspecified moment in the past. For example, if I visited Paris in 2004, I could express this in two ways:
Note that the moment in time is specific – in 2004, a few years ago.
In this case, the moment of my visit is not specific. I am speaking about an experience that I have had in my life up to this moment in time.
This is the key to understanding the difference between the past simple and the present perfect. The past simple expresses something which happened at a specific time in the past. The present perfect expresses something that I have experienced in my life without giving the exact time.
This brings us to the end of the Basic English Series. I hope you have stayed with me to this final lesson and enjoyed your learning experience. Please continue to follow my website for more English lessons.
Thank you for doing this and continued success in the future!
Source: https://www.thoughtco.com/
Idioms are short phrases that have special meanings. We hear them in songs, on TV, and in everyday talk. They don’t always mean what the words say, but they help people speak in fun and interesting ways. Learning these can make talking and writing feel smoother.
Let’s look at idioms used in daily life. These are phrases you might hear at school, at home, or even in the store. Let’s get started.
Related: Idioms for Everyday – TUTORING YOU
