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Present Continuous: Are You Watching TV?

The document discusses the present continuous tense in English. It can be used: 1) To describe actions happening now or ongoing actions in progress now. 2) To refer to longer actions or processes that are ongoing, not necessarily at this exact moment. 3) To refer to planned actions that will occur in the near future. 4) With words like "always" to describe irritating or shocking repetitive actions. It provides examples for each use and notes some verbs that cannot be used in the continuous form.

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51 views

Present Continuous: Are You Watching TV?

The document discusses the present continuous tense in English. It can be used: 1) To describe actions happening now or ongoing actions in progress now. 2) To refer to longer actions or processes that are ongoing, not necessarily at this exact moment. 3) To refer to planned actions that will occur in the near future. 4) With words like "always" to describe irritating or shocking repetitive actions. It provides examples for each use and notes some verbs that cannot be used in the continuous form.

Uploaded by

Ines
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Present Continuous

FORM

[am/is/are + present participle]

Examples:

You are watching TV.


Are you watching TV?
You are not watching TV.

Complete List of Present Continuous Forms

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: (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.
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.

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?

ACTIVE / PASSIVE

Examples:

Right now, Tom is writing the letter. Active


Right now, the letter is being written by Tom. Passive

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