Present Continuous
Form:
Form:
Subject + be (am, is, are) + Verb + ing + ………
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Use:
1. Action in progress at the time of speaking
We use Present Continuous to talk about something that is happening at the time of speaking.
· It is raining at the moment.
· I am studying English now.
· They are playing football.
2. Action in progress for period of time around now
We also use Present Continuous when something that is happening for a period around now. The action may not be in progress when we are talking.
· He is looking for a new job these days.
· I am reading an interesting book nowadays.
· She is preparing for her exam.
3. Near future arrangement
We use Present Continuous to talk a plan in the future, especially near future.
· They are having a party on this weekend.
· I am meeting some friends after class.
· She is leaving here next week.
To show future we use expression such as next week, next month, next year….etc.
Note:
We also use “be going to + infinitive” to talk about something that we have already decided to do.
· She is going to buy a new car.
· I am going to have my house painted next week.
· We are going to take a trip after the final exam.
4. Changing or developing situation (trend)
We use Present Continuous for something that is changing or developing over a long period of time.
· The population of the world is increasing rapidly.
· My English is improving from day to day.
· The climate is changing a lot these days.
5. Temporary situation
We use Present Continuous for a situation that is happening temporarily for a period of time.
· I am living with my friends until I find a house to rent.
· You are working very hard today.
· She is teaching our class for two months.
Note:
We use “being + adjective” to show a temporary behavior.
· He is being hard-working now.
· You are being clever today.
· She is being kind to me today.
6. Regular actions at a certain time
We also use Present Continuous when an action is happening at a certain time.
· She is always watching the news on TV at 9 o’clock.
· I am usually learning English at 7:00 am.
Compare:
· He always eats lunch at 11 o’clock.
· He is always eating at 11 o’clock.
7. Annoying habits or irritation
We use Present Continuous to something that happens too often, and we are unhappy about it. We use words like: always, continually, constantly or forever.
· John is never satisfied. He is always complaining.
· Hurry up! You are constantly coming late.
· I don’t like my neighbors. They are continually having a party until midnight.
Note:
Some verbs cannot be used in present continuous. They are called state verbs. The state verbs don’t show the action of verb.
know, like, love, hate, believe, understand, agree, disagree, contain, cost, have, consist, belong, realize, prefer, smell, regret, taste, own, assume, resemble.
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State means something staying the same.
· I know her. (not I am knowing her.)
· She has a new car. (not she is having a new car.)
Action means something happening.
· I am learning English.
· They are playing football.
