English grammar
Right now vs generally
Contrast how someone feels right now with what they're generally like.
From the scene Right now, but always
In short
Feelings usually describe now, so add right now. Character words like nice describe what someone is generally like.
Your turn
Which one goes with general / character — no time word?
Options: he isn't angry, but he's unfriendly · he's unfriendly · he's angry right now
Show answer
general / character — no time word → he's unfriendly
How it works
English uses be both for what someone is like and for how they feel.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
Yes, he's nice... but (blank) he's nervous.
Clue: how he feels at this moment
Options: right now · generally
Show answer
Yes, he's nice... but right now he's nervous.
Sí, es simpático... pero ahora está nervioso.
Good to know
Feeling words like angry, nervous or tired usually describe now. Add right now or today to make that clear: he's angry right now.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
Ugh. Don Ramón (blank) angry.
Clue: Elena answers "No, dear"
Options: is · isn't
Show answer
Ugh. Don Ramón is angry.
Uf. Don Ramón está enfadado.
Good to know
Character words like nice or unfriendly describe what someone is generally like.
temporary — add right now he's angry right now
general / character — no time word he's unfriendly
Elena
...but he's unfriendly.
...pero es antipático.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
...but (blank).
Options: he's unfriendly · he's angry right now
Show answer
Elena
...but he's unfriendly.
...pero es antipático.
not X, but Y he isn't angry, but he's unfriendly
Elena
...but he's unfriendly.
...pero es antipático.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
...(blank).
Options: but he's unfriendly · he's angry right now
Show answer
Elena
...but he's unfriendly.
...pero es antipático.
Common mistake
Not isn't here. Nuria likes Tomás.
Tomás is very nice.
Tomás es muy simpático.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| temporary — add right now | he's angry right now |
|---|---|
| general / character — no time word | he's unfriendly |
| not X, but Y | he isn't angry, but he's unfriendly |
More lines from the story
- NuriaTomás is very nice.Tomás es muy simpático.
- ElenaYes, he's nice... but right now he's nervous.Sí, es simpático... pero ahora está nervioso.
- NuriaNervous? Oh, yes... and he's tired.¿Nervioso? Ah, sí... y está cansado.
- NuriaUgh. Don Ramón is angry.Uf. Don Ramón está enfadado.
- ElenaNo, dear. Right now he's happy.No, cariño. Ahora está contento.