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Present Continuous

The document discusses the present continuous tense in English. It can be used to indicate actions happening now or ongoing actions. It describes four main uses: 1) actions happening now, 2) longer actions in progress now, 3) planned near future actions, and 4) repetition or irritation with words like "always." Certain verbs like senses or opinions cannot be used in the continuous form. The placement of adverbs and active/passive forms are also covered.

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Gylberto Silva
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66 views

Present Continuous

The document discusses the present continuous tense in English. It can be used to indicate actions happening now or ongoing actions. It describes four main uses: 1) actions happening now, 2) longer actions in progress now, 3) planned near future actions, and 4) repetition or irritation with words like "always." Certain verbs like senses or opinions cannot be used in the continuous form. The placement of adverbs and active/passive forms are also covered.

Uploaded by

Gylberto Silva
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as 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
Verbscannot 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

More About Active / Passive Forms

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