PRESENT SIMPLE CONTINUOUS TENSE

Form: to be + verb+ing

USE 1: Now

Use the Present Cntinuous with Continuous 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.
I am sitting.
I am not standing.

USE 2: Longer Actions in Progress

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:

I am studying to become a doctor.
I am not reading any books right now.
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.
Isn’t he coming with us?



USE 4: Repetition and Irritation with “Always”

The Present Continuous with such wordds 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 don’t like them because they always complaining.

USE 5: Repeated Actions

The Present Continuous can refer to repeated actions and events, if these are happening around the moment of speaking.

Examples:

Why is he hitting the dog?
Jack is seeing a lot of Felicity these days.






























EXERCISES:

1. Put the verb into the correct form. Sometimes you need the negative.

1. I’m tired. I ..................(go) to bed now. Goodnight.
2. We can go out now. It ..................(rain) any more.
3. ‘How is your new job?’ ‘Not so good at the moment. I ............................. (enjoy) it very much.
4. I want to lose weight, so this week I .......................... (eat) lunch.
5. Angela has just started evening classes. She ......................(learn) German.
6. I think Paul and Ann have had an argument. They ............................... (speak) to each other.

2. Complete this conversation.