PRESENT CONTINUES TENSE
When
we talk about events that are actually happening now, we use the present
continuous tense. This is formed by using the stem of the verb and adding -ing
to the end, for example the verb "work" becomes "working".
In some cases you need to alter the spelling a bit for example the verb
"die" becomes "dying".
Statements
+ |
Statements
- |
Questions
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Short
answer
+ |
Short
answer
- |
I'm working.
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I'm not working.
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Am I working?
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Yes, I am.
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No, I'm not.
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He's working.
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He isn't working.
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Is he working?
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Yes, he is.
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No, he isn't.
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She's working.
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She isn't working.
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Is she working?
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Yes, she is.
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No, she isn't.
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It's working.
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It isn't working.
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Is it working?
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Yes, it is.
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No, it isn't.
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You're working.
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You aren'tt working.
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Are you working?
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Yes you are.
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No, you aren't.
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We're working.
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We aren't working.
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Are we working?
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Yes we are.
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No, we aren't.
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They're working.
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They aren't working.
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Are they working?
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Yes they are.
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No, they aren't.
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For example:
Q) "What are you doing?"
A) "I'm building a website."
We also use the present continuous
tense to talk about things that are happening around now but are temporary.
For example:
Q) "What are you doing
these days?" A) "Unfortunately I'm working a lot."
It is also used to describe trends
or situations that are happening but may be temporary.
For example:
"Nowadays more and more people
are shopping on the Internet."
...and habitual actions (usually
negative).
For example:
"He's always cleaning
his car."
The present continuous tense can
also be used to discuss future
events:
Note:-
The present continuous is usually
used with doing verbs (verbs of action) not with verbs of state. The following
verbs are not used in the continuous form:-
Conditions: belong, cost, need,
own, seem
Feelings: like, love, hate, want,
wish
Beliefs: believe, feel, know,
mean, remember, think, understand
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The Present Continuous Tense - When to use
1. We
use the Present Continuous Tense to talk about activities happening now.
Examples
The kids are watching TV. I am sitting down, because I am tired. I am not learning German, because this is an English class. Who are you writing to?
2. We
can also use the Present Continuous Tense to talk about activities happening
around now, and not necessarily this very moment.
Examples
Sally is studying really hard for her exams this week. I am reading a really interesting book now. How are you brushing up on your English for the trip? We aren't working hard these days.
3. The
Present Continuous Tense is also used to talk about activities happening in
the near future, especially for planned future events.
Examples
I am seeing my dentist on Wednesday. Polly is coming for dinner tomorrow. Are you doing anything tonight? We aren't going on holiday next week. |
Examples
- He is sleeping.
- I am visiting grandpa in the afternoon.
- You are always coming late for the meetings!
Use
- Present actions
- Temporary actions
- Longer actions in progress
- Future (personal) arrangements and plans
- Tendencies and trends
- Irritation
USE 1:
Present Actions
Most often, we use the Present Continuous tense to talk about actions
happening at the moment of speaking.
Examples:
- He is eating a dinner.
- Mary is talking with her friends.
- They are swimming in the pool.
Stative (State) Verbs
There is a certain group of verbs that usually does not appear in the
Continuous form. They are called Stative (State) Verbs, and if used in
the Continuous form, they have a different meaning. Examples:
- I think you look pretty today. meaning: Opinion
- I'm thinking of moving to San Francisco. meaning: Act of thinking
Explanation
In this cartoon, you can see a man in the shower who says: "I'm taking a shower now".- Why is the Present Continuous tense used in this example? Because the Johny is taking shower at this precise moment.
USE 2: Temporary Actions
This tense is also used for activities continuing only for a limited period
of time.
Examples:
- I'm riding a bike to get to work because my car is broken. Temporary Action (His car will soon be repaired)
- They are not talking with each other after the last argument. Temporary Action (They will soon make up)
- Mary is working at McDonald's. Temporary Action (She is working there only during the summer holidays)
USE 3:
Longer Actions in Progress
We also use the Present Continuous when we are in the middle of doing
something time-consuming (i.e. something that takes time to complete). An
example of such an activity is writing a book, saving money or studying for an
exam.
Examples:
- They are working hard to earn money.
- I am training to become a professional footballer.
- Mike is studying hard to become a doctor.
- Elizabeth is currently writing a children's book titled I am the World.
Explanation
In this cartoon, you can a man who says: "I'm writing an adventure book".- Why is the Present Continuous tense used in this example? Click on the buttons located on the Timeline to see the other scenes. You will find out that Alex (the writer) was writing the book a month ago, two months ago and four months ago. Clearly, it's a longer action in progress.
USE 4: Future (Personal) Arrangements and Plans
Sometimes we use the Present Continuous to show that something is
planned and will be done in the near future.
Examples:
- I'm meeting Katie in the evening.
- He's flying to Rome in September.
- We're not going anywhere tomorrow.
USE 5:
Tendencies and Trends
This tense is also used for expressing tendencies or trends.
Examples:
- Our country is getting richer.
- The Internet is becoming less of a novelty.
- The Universe is expanding .
USE 6:
Irritation or Anger
And the last use of this tense is to express irritation or anger over
somebody or something in the present with adverbs such as: always, continually
or contantly.
Examples:
- She is continually complaining about everything!
- Johny is always asking stupid questions!
- My boss is contantly critising me!
Form
To form a sentence in the Present Continuous, you have to: - know the proper conjugation of the auxiliary verb
.
Person
|
Singular
|
Plural
|
First
|
I am
|
We are
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Second
|
You are
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You are
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Third
|
He/she/it is
|
They are
|
- add the ing suffix to the verb (to form the present participle of the verb)
Examples:
- try + ing = trying
- go + ing = going
Contracted forms (more)
- I + am = I'm
- is + not = isn't
- are + not = aren't
- he + is = he's
- she + is = she's
- it + is= it's
Declarative
Sentences
Subject
|
+
|
Auxiliary verb
|
+
|
Verb + ing
|
e.g. I/a
dog etc.
|
is / are
|
e.g. work/go/make
|
Examples
|
Use
|
|
 |
I am reading a book.
|
(Use 1)
|
|
They are swimming in the sea.
|
(Use 1)
|
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I'm having my first driving lesson this week.
|
(Use 4)
|
|
I'm studying to become lawyer one day.
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(Use 3)
|
|
She is always asking me stupid questions.
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(Use 5)
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Questions
Auxiliary verb
|
+
|
Subject
|
+
|
Verb + ing
|
is / are
|
e.g. I/a
dog etc.
|
e.g. work/go/make
|
Examples
|
Use
|
|
|
Is she eating my cake now?
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(Use 1)
|
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Are they having the party on Friday or
Saturday?
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(Use 2)
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Are you meeting David today?
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(Use 2)
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Is Mary having breakfast now?
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(Use 1)
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Negative Sentences
Subject
|
+
|
Auxiliary verb + not
|
+
|
Verb + ing
|
e.g. I/a
dog etc.
|
is not / are
not
|
e.g. working/going/making
|
Examples
|
Use
|
|
|
He is not joking
|
Use 1)
|
|
We aren't waiting for my uncle
|
Use 1)
|
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He is not going to school tomorrow
|
Use 2)
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