2 sentence in the present continuous in English. Present Continuous - features of use. The use of question words

Present Continuous seems incomprehensible to many students, because there is no such analogue in our native language. Let's see how the present long time is formed and in what cases it is used in order to make friends with it once and for all.

The present continuous (Present Continuous) in some textbooks is called Present Progressive - remember that these are the same thing. Most often, the Present Continuous describes an action that takes place over a period of time in the present. But this time has other functions as well. We will show you how to use it correctly depending on the specific situation.

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Present Continuous time is formed according to the scheme:

In order not to make a mistake in writing a verb with the ending -ing, pay attention to the following rules:

  • if the verb ends in a vowel -e, then it is omitted: bake - baking;
  • when the verb ends in vowels -ie, they change to -y: tie - tying;
  • if the verb ends in one consonant letter, before which there is a stressed vowel, then the consonant letter at the end is doubled: let - letting, begin - beginning, regret - regretting.

Affirmative sentence:

She is petting her dog now. - She is now strokes your dog.

In a negative sentence, the particle not is placed between the auxiliary and main verbs.

She is not (isn't) petting her dog now. - She is now does not stroke your dog.

In an interrogative sentence, the auxiliary verb comes first, followed by the subject and the main form of the verb.

Is she petting her dog now? - She is now strokes your dog?

Below you can see how the Present Continuous is formed in affirmative, negative and interrogative sentences.

Cases of using Present Continuous

Consider examples of the use of Present Continuous, starting with the simplest and gradually moving towards more complex ones.

For beginner and intermediate levels

  1. The Present Continuous is used to describe an action that is happening at the current time:

    Listen! The music is playing. - Listen! Music plays.
    Hush! The kids are sleeping. - Shh! Children are sleeping.

    In such a situation, marker words are often found: now (now), right now (at this very minute), at the moment (at the moment), at present (at present). These are some kind of pointers to the present continuous tense.

    Steve is watching TV at the moment. - Now Steve looks television.

  2. The present continuous is used to describe ongoing actions in the present, even if they are not happening at the moment of speaking. That is, for some time we periodically perform this action:

    Jessica is learning French. - Jessica teaches French. (she has been studying French for a while now and will continue to learn it, but she is not busy learning French right now)

    In this situation, such present continuous marker words as now, these days, currently are also often found. They are translated "now", "currently".

    Pete is currently training to participate in the Olympics. - Pete currently training to participate in the Olympic Games. (he is currently training and will continue until the Olympics, but right now he is not in training)

  3. Present Continuous is used to describe the changes that occur in a situation and the development process. In such constructions, the action is often conveyed by the verbs to get (become), to increase (increase / increase), to decrease (decrease / decrease), to rise (rise), to fall (fall), to start (start / begin), to change (change / change), etc.

    An average day temperature is slowly increasing. - Average temperature gradually increases.
    The petrol is getting cheaper day by day. - Fuel every day getting cheaper.

  4. The present continuous can be used to indicate events in the near future, but only if it concerns planned actions. The future in such sentences is indicated by time, days of the week or the words tomorrow (tomorrow), next week (next week), next month (next month), next year (next year).

    Cris is buying a new phone tomorrow. - Tomorrow Chris will buy new phone. (he has already chosen a model, put money on the phone)
    We are flying to India next week. - Next week we we fly to India. (the trip is already planned, the tickets are bought, the trip will definitely take place)

    Speaking about the near future, we often use verbs of motion: to go (to go), to leave (to leave), to come (to come). These verbs show that the action will be performed immediately or in the near future.

    I don't feel well. I am going to bed. - I do not feel myself well. I I'm going sleep. (I will take this action immediately)
    I "m coming in 5 minutes. Can you meet me up? - I I will come In 5 minutes. Will you meet me? (I'm already on my way and I'll be right back.)

  5. Present Continuous helps to express dissatisfaction or irritation when used with the words constantly (constantly), all the time (all the time), always (always). So we show that some regular or frequently occurring action causes negative emotions.

    Susan is always leaving her coffee mug in the sink. - Susan constantly leaves your coffee cup in the sink. (action is performed regularly, and the speaker is unhappy with this situation)

  6. There are verbs that are not used in Present Continuous. We are talking about state verbs (stative verbs), which express feelings and thought processes: to know (to know), to forget (to forget), to notice (to notice), to understand (to understand), to recognize (to learn), to remember ( remember), to love (to love), to hate (to hate), to want (to want), to need (to need), to believe (to believe), to hear (to hear), etc.

    I know which bus to take to get home. - I I know which bus to take to get home. (knowledge is my state, not action)

For high level

The present continuous tense in English can also be used in the following situations:

  1. There are verbs that in one sense are state verbs and cannot be used in the present continuous tense, and in another sense act as action verbs and can be used in Present Continuous. Let's look at examples:

    to think - consider, believe (state) and to think - reflect (action)
    to see - see (state) and to see - meet, see (action)
    to have - to have (state) and to have as part of a stable expression, for example, to have breakfast (have breakfast), to have a good time (have a good time)

    I think it is a nice jacket. - I I think that this is a good jacket. (it's my opinion)
    What are you thinking about? - what are you talking about think? (Currently)

    The use of the Present Continuous form with some state verbs (to attract - to attract, to like - to like, to love - to love) is possible when the speaker wants to emphasize the temporality of his feelings.

    Usually I don't like music festivals, but I am loving this one. - I usually do not like music festivals, but this one is me love. (the speaker emphasizes that he likes this particular festival now.)

    We use some verbs that describe thought processes (to realize - to realize, to understand - to understand, to regret - to regret), we use in Present Continuous to emphasize that we have just begun to think about something and have not yet formed our final opinion.

    I "m realizing how wrong I was. - I began to understand how was wrong.

    Verbs that describe physical sensations (to feel - to feel, to hurt / to ache - to hurt) can be used both in Present Simple and Present Continuous without much difference in meaning.

    I am feeling sad today. = I feel sad today. - I'm sad today.
    my head is teaching. = My head ache. - I have a head hurts.

  2. We can also use the static verb to be in Present Continuous if we want to emphasize that a person’s behavior is uncharacteristic for him.

    He is being weird after he lost his job. - He acting strange after he lost his job. (i.e. it usually behaves differently)

  3. We can use the Present Continuous and Present Simple tenses together to make our story sound more dynamic. In this case, the action in the Present Simple takes place against the background of the action in the Present Continuous, interrupting it and creating a sense of suddenness.

    two guys are walking through a game park and they come across a lion that has not eaten for days. - Two boys go through the wild animal park, when they suddenly stumble on a lion that hasn't eaten in days.

How not to confuse Present Continuous and Present Simple

It is worth considering the most common situations in which one time from the Present group can be mistaken for another:

  1. Present Continuous is used to describe situations and actions that the speaker considers temporary. Present Simple describes situations that the speaker perceives as permanent.

    Linda is working at the ice cream shop during summer. - Summer Linda works in an ice cream shop. (when summer ends, Linda will no longer work at this place)
    Sam works as a manager at the ice cream shop. - Sam works manager at an ice cream shop. (this is his regular job)

  2. If we are describing repetitive actions that are related to the present moment, we use the Present Continuous. And if they are not connected with the present moment, we use Present Simple.

    I "m speaking with my mom a lot these days. - Recently, I often I say with mom on the phone. (there is a connection with the current moment)
    I speak with my aunt who lives in New York twice a year. - Twice a year talking with his aunt who lives in New York. (no connection to the present moment)

  3. The Present Continuous describes an action that is happening at the present moment. Present Simple is used to describe facts that remain true at any given time.

    Kathy is speaking with her father at the moment. - Now Katy He speaks with his father. (she is speaking at the present time, the conversation will be over)
    Kathy speaks English. - Katy He speaks in English. (she can speak English, this statement remains a fact at any given time)

We suggest taking a test to consolidate the rules for using Present Continuous.

Test on the topic "Present Continuous - Present Continuous in English"

Hello! If you are interested in the rules for the formation and use of time Present Continuous in English, then you've come to the right place! I will tell you what Present Continuous time is, I will explain the nuances of the formation and use of this time, and for clarity, I will give many examples.

What is Present Continuous Tense?

Present Continuous Tense (Present Continuous) is a tense form of a verb that describes an action or state that is going on at the moment of speech. That is, Present Continuous Tense shows actions and states in progress! This is how it differs from the simple present tense (Present Simple Tense).

There is no analogue for Present Continuous Tense in Russian. It provides only one temporary form for the present tense, which expresses both shades of simple and long tense. Let's see this with an example:

  • Present continuous: You are speaking Spanish - You speak Spanish. (Meaning you are speaking Spanish at the moment.)
  • Present Simple: You speak Spanish. - You speak Spanish. (Meaning you can speak Spanish at all.)

As you can see, in Russian the same form of the verb conveys different shades of the present tense.

Time Present Continuous

Rules for the formation of Present Continuous Tense

The Present Continuous is difficult. It is formed with an auxiliary verb to be in Present Simple Tense (am, are, is) and present participles of the main verb (verb ending -ing).

When forming the present participle (Present Participle), it is important to know the following rules:

  • If the verb ends in an unpronounceable -e, then it goes down:

to drive e— driving
to give e- giving

  • If the verb ends in a consonant after the stressed syllable, the consonant is doubled:

sit − si tt ing
to stop-sto pp ing
to forget-forge tt ing

  • If the verb ends in -l preceded by a vowel, then -l always doubles (in the American version, this rule is not respected).

to travel-trave ll ing
to fulfil - fulfi ll ing

  • If the verb ends in -ie, then -ie changes to -y:

to l ie—l y ing
to d ie- d y ing

Formation of the affirmative form:

  • subject + to be in Present Simple (am, are, is) + Present Participle of the main verb (V + ing)

Formation of the interrogative form:

  • to be in Present Simple (am, are, is) + subject + Present Participle of the main verb (V + ing)

Formation of the negative form:

  • subject + to be in Present Simple (am, are, is) + negation of not + Present Participle of the main verb (V + ing)

Conjugation table of the verb to starve in Present Continuous Tense

Number Face affirmative form Interrogative form negative form
Unit h.1
2
3
I am (I "m) starv ing
You are (You're) starv ing
He/She/It is (He "s/ She's/ It's) starv ing
Am I starv ing?
Are you starv ing?
Is he/ she/ it starv ing?
I am (I "m) not starv ing
You are not (aren "t) starv ing
He/She/It is not (isn "t) starv ing
Mn. h.1
2
3
We are (We're) starv ing
You are (You're) starv ing
They are (They're) starv ing
Are we starv ing?
Are you starv ing?
Are they starv ing?
We are not (aren "t) starv ing
You are not (aren "t) starv ing
They are not (aren "t) starv ing

I advise you to carefully study this table as a cliché, where you will then substitute other verbs.

Not all English verbs are used in the long tense. Verbs that denote desires, thoughts, states, feelings, as a rule, are not used in the Present Continuous form. You can find a more detailed list of such verbs in the article: Present Simple tense in English

When can I use Present Continuous

Present Continuous Tense is used:

1. When expressing an action that is happening at the moment (now). Very often in such sentences there are circumstances of time by which the Present Continuous Tense can be accurately determined. For example:

  • now - now
  • at the moment - at the moment
  • Don't you smell something is burning? "Don't you feel that something is on fire?"
  • What are you talking about now? - What are you talking about now?

2. When expressing an action or state that lasts in the present tense (the action has already begun and has not yet ended), but not necessarily related to the current moment of speech:

  • Sorry but I can't lend you this book because I'm reading it myself. — I'm sorry, but I can't lend you this book, because. I'm reading it myself right now.
  • I'm studying at the university. - I study at University.

3. When expressing any inclination or permanent habit (usually negative). In such sentences, the verb expresses impatience or disapproval and is often accompanied by adverbs:

  • always - always
  • constantly - constantly
  • all the time - all the time
  • She is always coming too late! She always comes too late!
  • I'm constantly wearing with my teachers. I constantly argue with my teachers.

4. When expressing actions planned for the near future. In such sentences, verbs of motion are very often used:

  • to come - go
  • to move - move
  • to leave - leave
  • to stay - stay
  • to return - return
  • to start - start

and expressions:

  • to have guests - have guests
  • to give a party - make a party
  • I am giving a birthday party tomorrow. Tomorrow I'm having a birthday party.
  • They are leaving us this afternoon. They are leaving us tonight.

Note!

The combination of the verb to go in Present Continuous Tense with the infinitive form of another verb also expresses the intention to perform an action in the near future:

  • why are you going to change your flat? Why are you going to change your apartment?
  • I'm going to present him to my parents. “Seo is going to introduce him to my parents.

6. When expressing an action that takes place simultaneously with another action expressed in Present Simple Tense. That is, in a subordinate clause of time or condition after conjunctions:

  • when - when
  • if - if
  • in case - in case
  • as long as - as long as
  • while - while
  • unless - if not
  • Try not to make a noise when you are playing. − Try not to make noise when you play.

These were the basic rules about Present Continuous Tense. Use and improve in English!
I advise you to watch the following videos on the topic: "Real long tense in English"

Present Continuous- This is the present continuous tense in English, its main meaning is a continuous action taking place at the present moment. Unlike , it expresses precisely a long-term action, that is, an action that happened, but not happened.

Present Continuous Education Scheme: Rules and Examples

Consider how the continuous present tense is formed in the affirmative, negative and interrogative sentences.

1. Affirmative form: I am talking

In the affirmative form, Present Continuous is formed with the help of a verb and a verb with an ending ing, only the verb is changed to be. Examples are shown in the table:

Examples:

Are you talking to me? – Are you talking to me?

Is this device working properly? – Is this device working properly?

Are you kidding? - Are you kidding?

Meaning of Present Continuous: when is a long simple time used?

Present Continuous is used in the following cases.

  • A continuous action is taking place now, that is, at the moment of speaking.

Suggestion examples:

I am going to a swimming pool. - I'm going to the pool (I'm going now).

I am working. – I am working (at the moment).

Compare how the meaning will change if the verb is in:

I go to a swimming pool. - I go to the pool (in general, regularly, but not at the moment).

I work. – I am working (generally, not at the moment).

  • A long-term action takes place in the present time period.

That is, not literally now, at this second, but in a wider period of time, for example, during this day, this month.

I am reading the book “War and Peace” . – I am reading the book "War and Peace" (not at the moment, the book is in the process of reading).

He is writing a new song. He is writing a new song (not right now, but in some real period of time).

  • To express an action that will take place in the near future.

That is, to express the intention to perform this action or the confidence that it will certainly happen.

You are going with me - You go with me (meaning: you go with me).

I am leaving the town in 24 hours - I leave the city in 24 hours (leave).

  • Repetitive action with a negative connotation.

This case is rarely mentioned in the educational literature, but it should be mentioned because it is typical for colloquial speech. Present Continuous with words like always, constantly(meaning "constantly", "all the time") expresses some unpleasant, annoying action that occurs regularly.

He is constantly talking. I hate it. - He talks all the time. I hate it.

I don't like them because they are always complaining. I don't like them because they complain all the time.

In essence, the value is obtained as y - a repeated regular action, but here we are talking about an annoying, unpleasant action.

Verbs that are not used in Present Continuous

Some verbs expressing perception, feelings, emotional state are not used (as a rule) in Continuous times, because they cannot express a long action. They include verbs.

Here you can take a lesson on the topic: Present Continuous in English. Present continuous tense.

In this lesson, we will get acquainted with another commonly used tense in English called Present Continuous(Present continuous). The Present Continuous is usually used for naming actions currently taking place. Additionally, this time can be characterized as unfinished and visual.

English verbs take on a special form to express the present continuous tense, namely the verb to be in the appropriate form is combined with a verb ending in the suffix -ing (Ving). Thus, the verb formula in Present Continuous is as follows: to be + Ving. For example:

He is watching football on TV. - He watches football on TV. (action is happening at the moment)

To better understand what verbs look like in Present Continuous, consider the conjugation of the verb work (to work) using personal pronouns as an example:

I am working (I "m working) - I work
you are working (you "re working) - you work / you work
he is working (he "s working) - he works
she is working (she "s working) - she works
it is working (it "s working) - he / she works (inanimate)
we are working (we "re working) - we are working
they are working (they "re working) - they work

As can be seen from the conjugation, there are also abbreviated forms. Moreover, they are preferable.

An interesting feature of verbs with the ending -ing is their pronunciation. As a rule, the last letter (g) in the ending is not read, and a deep nasal sound /ŋ/ is obtained. For example:

dancing /"da:nsiŋ/
singing /"siŋiŋ/ (particularly difficult to pronounce because of the double nasal sound)
reading /"ri:diŋ/
listening /"lisəniŋ/
writing /"raitiŋ/

There are also several spelling rules verbs to which the ending -ing is added:

1. So, for example, for verbs ending in the letter -e, when adding the ending -ing, the letter -e disappears. For example:

change - changing (change - changes)
arrive - arriving (arrive - arrives)
dance - dancing (dance - dancing)

2. In monosyllabic verbs ending in one vowel and one consonant, when adding the suffix -ing the consonant is doubled. For example:

swim - swimming (swim - swims)
run - running (run - runs)
sit - sitting (sit - sit)

3. If the verb ends with a combination of letters -ie, then when adding the ending -ing, this combination is replaced by the letter - y. For example:

lie - lying (lie - lies)
die - dying (to die - dies)
tie - tying (tie - tie)

There is a category of verbs to which ending -ing is not added. These verbs are called static verbs. These primarily include verbs of all feelings (for example: like, love, hate, smell, see, hear, etc.), verbs of thought processes (for example: think, know, understand, believe, etc. .), and all modal verbs.

I. As already noted, the Present Continuous is closely connected with the present, namely with actions at the moment. For this reason, very often in sentences expressed in the present continuous tense there are marker words: now, at the moment. Let's look at an example:

I am reading a book now. - I am reading a book now.
They are fishing now. - They are fishing now.
Claude is watching a cartoon at the moment. - Claude is watching a cartoon at the moment.

Looking at the examples, we can conclude that in affirmative proposals in Present Continuous time are of great importance subject and modified predicate, and the circumstance (now, at the moment) and the object, depending on the context, may be omitted. As a rule, even without the words now or at the moment, the formula to be + Ving in a sentence means that the action is happening right now. Let's look at a few more examples:

The baby "s (is) crying. - The child is crying (now, at the moment).
They "re having a party. - They are having a party (now, at the moment).
The dogs are barking. - Dogs are barking (now, at the moment).
She "s playing the violin. - She plays the violin (now, at the moment).
They "re moving furniture. - They move (rearrange) furniture (now, at the moment).

II. Negative sentences in Present Continuous time are formed by adding the particle "not" to the verb to be in the appropriate form. Consider the example of conjugation of the verb talk (to speak) with personal pronouns:

I am not talking (I "m not talking) - I don't speak
you are not talking (you aren "t talking) - you don't talk / you don't talk
he is not talking (he isn "t talking) - he does not speak
she is not talking (he isn "t talking) - she does not speak
it is not talking (it isn "t talking) - he / she does not speak (inanimate; can also apply to babies, and any animals)
we are not talking (we aren't talking) - we don't talk
they are not talking (they aren't talking) - they don't talk

The examples show that abbreviations are also possible. In most cases, they are preferred. Let's take a look at some suggestions:

He isn't watching football, he's reading a magazine. He doesn't watch football, he reads a magazine.
They aren't eating cookies, they're eating ice-cream. They don't eat cookies, they eat ice cream.
The baby isn "t crying, it is sleeping. - The baby is not crying, he is sleeping.

III. AT interrogative sentences in the Present Continuous time, the verb to be is brought forward and the following word order is obtained:

To be - Subject - Ving - (Object) - (Adverbial modifier - now, at the moment)?

Let's look at a few examples:

Are you looking at the tower? Are you looking at the tower?
Is he listening to the radio now? - Is he listening to the radio now?
Are the dogs barking? - Are the dogs barking?
Are you laughing? - You're laughing?
Is she writing a letter at the moment? - Is she writing a letter at the moment?

These examples relate to general questions and require short answers: yes or no. And short answers in Present Continuous repeat the verb to be in the question. For example:

Is he watching a film at the moment? -Yes, he is. -No, he isn't. - Is he watching TV at the moment? -Yes. -No.
Are Jill and Erica arguing now? - Yes, they are. -No, they aren't. - Are Jill and Erica fighting now? -Yes. -No.

For education special issues in Present Continuous, you need to use a question word before the verb to be (who, what, where, etc.) For example:

What are you doing now? - What are you doing now?
Where is she going? - Where is she going?
Who are they looking for? - Who are you looking for?
Why are they crying? - Why are they crying?

Thus, we examined the basic rules for the formation of different types of sentences in the present continuous tense, as well as some of the stylistic and phonetic features of this tense. For practice, it is recommended to build as many sentences as possible about the actions taking place around you at the moment, and this will be a good language exercise.

Present continuous tense (Present Progressive Tense) is the present continuous tense. In speech, it occurs as often as in present simple. The main thing to know about Present Continuous, - this time shows the duration of the action in the present. Duration can manifest itself in different ways: the action can last for a short time, or it can take a long period of time. At Present Continuous there are many functions, so this time occupies an important place in the grammar of the English language.

How is Present Continuous Tense Formed?

Statement

As in any English sentence, the subject comes first and the verb comes second. Predicate in Present Continuous consists of an auxiliary verb to be and main verb. to be in Present Continuous changes, so we need to remember its forms: am, is, are. The main verb has a particle to and the ending appears ing.

As a general rule, we add to the verb - ing. But with some verbs, slight transformations occur with the advent of this ending, for example:

  • e , leaving the final vowel: com e com ing (come),
    Mak e Mak ing (do), write e write ing (write).
  • For verbs ending in - ie , vowels - ie are replaced by - y : l ie l ying (lie), t ie t ying (tie up) d ie d ying (die).
  • If a short verb ends in a vowel with a consonant, then that consonant is doubled:
    swi m swi mm ing(to swim), sto p sto pp ing(stop), ge t ge tt ing(receive).

Negation

A negative sentence differs from an affirmative one only in that a particle appears between the auxiliary verb and the main verb not. That is, the predicate looks like this: first to be, after it the particle not and then the main verb.

Question

To ask a question in Present Continuous, we take out to be in first place, then put the subject and after it the main verb.

For your convenience, we have divided the time functions Present Continuous into 3 groups: entry-level material (green frame), intermediate level (yellow) and high-level (red). If you are just starting to study this topic, then it will be enough for you to know the functions of the green box, since these are the basic rules for Present Continuous. If you need more advanced grammar, then study the yellow table. And for the most sophisticated English connoisseurs, the rules from the red table are suitable.

Using Present Continuous

First level

  1. Present Continuous illustrates an action that is happening now, at the moment of speech. There may be clarifying words here: now(now), at the moment(Currently). Also, we can use this time for two actions that occur simultaneously in the present.

    What is he doing now? – What he is doing now?
    – He is talking to his friend. - He is talking with a friend. (at the moment he is standing and talking to a friend)

    She is eating chocolate ice cream while I am drinking water. - She is eats chocolate ice cream while i I drink water

  2. Present Continuous is used when the action takes place in the present, but not at a specific moment of speech. In this case, we want to show that the action is extended in time: it could have started yesterday or two days ago, but now it continues and will continue for some time. Throughout this long period of time, we periodically perform this action.

    I am reading an interesting book. - I I read interesting book. (I started reading it before the speech and will read it for some time, but right now I'm not busy reading)

    We are moving into a new house. - We moving to a new house. (we have begun to collect and transport things, but we are not busy with this activity at the moment of speech)

    In this function, we may encounter words such as now(now), these days(these days, these days) currently(now, now).

    This play is currently running at the theatre. - This play goes now in the theatre.

  3. We want to show that the situation is temporary, that is, we know, suspect or feel that the action will not last long. In such cases, there are words that specify the time period, such as for(during), during(during), until(not yet).

    He is staying in New York for three months. - He remains in New York on the three months. (in three months his stay will end and he will return home)

    He is working as a waiter until he finds a better job. - He works waiter bye won't find a better job. (he temporarily works as a waiter)

  4. We are talking about an action that is slowly developing or changing. Such an action can show the words get(become), change(change), become(become), rise(get up), fall(fall), grow(grow), improve(improve), begin(start off), start(start off).

    Your English is getting better. – Your English becomes better. (English didn't get better overnight, but gradually it improves)

    The weather is improving. – Weather getting better. (the weather was bad for a while, now it's getting better)

When else is the Present Continuous used?

Average level

  1. When we talk about a planned action that we will take in the near future. We use Present Continuous only with those actions that have already firmly decided to perform.

    Here you can use the words: this/next week(this/next week) this/next weekend(this/next weekend) this/next year(this/next year) today(in the evening), today(today), tomorrow(tomorrow).

    next week we are buying a new car. - Next week we buy new car. (we firmly decided to buy a car, we have already chosen a model and a store where we will buy it)

    I am having a business meeting tomorrow. - I have a business meeting tomorrow. (the meeting has already been scheduled and will definitely take place)

  2. When we talk about the near future using verbs of motion such as go(go), leave(leave), come(come), move(move), return(come back), start(start off).

    I'm tired. I am going to bed. - I'm tired. I I'm going sleep. (I felt tired, so I decided to go to sleep)

    This film is too boring. I am leaving. This movie is too boring I'm leaving. (I don’t like the film, so I leave the session without waiting for the end)

  3. When we want to show discontent, indignation, irritation. In these cases, we use the words always(always), constantly(constantly), all the time(all the time) to show that the person regularly does things we don't like.

    You are always interrupting me! - You constantly me interrupting! (I really don't like it)

    He is coming late all the time! - He late all the time! (the speaker is unhappy with this)

  4. Present continuous tense with state verbs.

    Usually, the present continuous tense in English is not used with state verbs ( state verbs or state verbs). - these are verbs that convey the state of a person: his feelings, relationships, mental processes. These verbs denote actions, but these actions take place inside our consciousness, and we cannot watch how they proceed ( to feel- feel, to think- think, to love- be in love, to wish- wish to need- need). Therefore, we cannot use them in tenses continuous, since this aspect shows the duration.

    However, there are a few cases where state verbs used with Present Continuous. This happens when the verb has several meanings and one of them shows action, and also when we want to show that the situation is temporary.

    The steak tastes good. This steak tastes great. (steak is always so delicious)

    The chef is tasting the steak. - Cook tries steak to taste. (he is trying it now)

Difficult cases of using Present Continuous

High level

  1. Present Continuous used when we are talking about something new, especially if this new is opposed to something old.

    He has left university, now he is working with his friend. He dropped out of university and now works With my friend.

    These days most people are spending time in front of computer screens instead of reading books. - Most people today holds time at the computer instead of reading books.

  2. Present Continuous used when we are talking about unusual behavior. We want to show that a person does something that is not characteristic of him, behaves differently than usual.

    She is eating too much these days. – She is too much eating Last few days. (she didn't eat that much before)

    He is being nervous recently. - He became nervous lately. (he has always been calm, but recently his behavior has changed)

  3. Present Continuous occurs in subordinate clauses of time after conjunctions when(when), if(if), unless(not yet) in case(if), as long as(bye), while(while). In such sentences there is a long action that stands in Present Continuous, and the singular, which is expressed present simple. Usually these sentences show familiar situations where a single action takes place against the backdrop of a long one.

    I try not to make noise in case my daughter is doing her homework. - I try not to make noise when, if my daughter does homework.

    I never talk on the phone when I am eating. - I never talk on the phone when I eat.

Present Continuous- one of the most favorite times of the British. As you can see, in English Present Continuous used in many situations, which means that it often occurs in speech. To better remember how to use Present Continuous, we recommend taking the following test and downloading our plate.

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Use of Present Continuous

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