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Present Continuous: (Am/is/are + Present Participle)

The document discusses the uses of the present continuous tense in English. It is used to describe actions happening now or ongoing actions. It can also indicate plans for the near future or actions that are repetitive or irritating when used with words like "always". Some key examples provided are "You are watching TV" to describe an ongoing current action, "I am studying to become a doctor" for an ongoing longer term action, and "I am meeting friends after work" to indicate a plan for the near future.

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Paola Maldonado
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36 views

Present Continuous: (Am/is/are + Present Participle)

The document discusses the uses of the present continuous tense in English. It is used to describe actions happening now or ongoing actions. It can also indicate plans for the near future or actions that are repetitive or irritating when used with words like "always". Some key examples provided are "You are watching TV" to describe an ongoing current action, "I am studying to become a doctor" for an ongoing longer term action, and "I am meeting friends after work" to indicate a plan for the near future.

Uploaded by

Paola Maldonado
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Present Continuous

[am/is/are + present participle]

Examples
You are watching TV. Are you watching TV? You are not watching TV.

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? I am sitting. I am not standing. Is he sitting or standing? They are reading their books. They are not watching television. What are you doing? Why aren't you doing your homework?

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
I am studying to become a doctor. I am not studying to become a dentist. I am reading the book Tom Sawyer. I am not reading any books right now. Are you working on any special projects at work? Aren't you teaching at the university now?

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? Isn't he coming with us tonight?

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.

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