PRESENT CONTINUOUS IN ENGLISH

LET'S SEE HOW PRESENT CONTINUOUS WORKS IN ENGLISH

When do we use the Present Continuous Tense in English. Let's have a look:

USE 1 Now

Use the Present Continuous with Normal Verbs to express the idea that something is happening now, at this very moment. It can also be used to show that something is not happening now.

Examples:

·       You are learning English now.

·       You are not swimming now.

·       Are you sleeping?

USE 2 Longer Actions in Progress Now

In English, "now" can mean: this second, today, this month, this year, this century, and so on. Sometimes, we use the Present Continuous to say that we are in the process of doing a longer action which is in progress; however, we might not be doing it at this exact second.

Examples: (All of these sentences can be said while eating dinner in a restaurant.)

·       I am studying to become a doctor.

·       I am not studying to become a dentist.

·       Are you working on any special projects at work?

USE 3 Near Future

Sometimes, speakers use the Present Continuous to indicate that something will or will not happen in the near future.

Examples:

·       I am meeting some friends after work.

·       I am not going to the party tonight.

·       Is he visiting his parents next weekend?

USE 4 Repetition and Irritation with "Always"

The Present Continuous with words such as "always" or "constantly" expresses the idea that something irritating or shocking often happens. Notice that the meaning is like Simple Present, but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words "always" or "constantly" between "be" and "verb+ing."

Examples:

·       She is always coming to class late.

·       He is constantly talking. I wish he would shut up.

·       I don't like them because they are always complaining.

REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs

It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using Present Continuous with these verbs, you must use Simple Present.

Examples:

·       She is loving this chocolate ice cream. Not Correct

·       She loves this chocolate ice cream. Correct

ADVERB PLACEMENT

The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.

Examples:

·       You are still watching TV.

·       Are you still watching TV?

Now let's see the different forms of the Present Continuous:

Notice that when using this tense, some verbs change their forms before adding -ing. Here you can check the spelling rules for adding -ing:

Enjoy the following video about use of the Present Continuous and practice with some exercises:

Click in the following links to more practice:

http://www.agendaweb.org/verbs/present_continuous-exercises.html

Finally, if you have any doubt, ask your teacher for further information. 

AND REMEMBER:

“We learn from failure, not from success!” 
― Bram Stoker, Dracula