The Present Continuous Tense - When to use

1. We use the Present Continuous Tense to talk about activities happening now. Examples The kids are watching TV. I am sitting down, because I am tired. I am not learning German, because this is an English class. Who are you writing to? 2. We can also use the Present Continuous Tense to talk about activities happening around now, and not necessarily this very moment. Examples Sally is studying really hard for her exams this week. I am reading a really interesting book now. How are you brushing up on your English for the trip? We aren't working hard these days. 3. The Present Continuous Tense is also used to talk about activities happening in the near future, especially for planned future events. Examples I am seeing my dentist on Wednesday. Polly is coming for dinner tomorrow. Are you doing anything tonight? We aren't going on holiday next week.

The Present Continuous and Present Simple Tenses

1. Permanent (usual) and Temporary (now, around now) actions. o We use the Present Continuous tense to speak about things which are happening now or things which are temporary. I am not working now. I am on holiday. Sally is listening to a new CD. Who are you phoning? o The Present Simple tense describes usual, repeated and permanent things - for example, always, usually, often, sometimes, never. I work as an accountant. John doesn't know German. How often do you play tennis? o Compare how these two tenses are used.

Why are you walking to work? Don't you usually go by bus? I live in Kharkiv, but now I am living in Moscow. Usually we have dinner at 7, but today we are having it at 9. 2. Some verbs are not normally used in the Continuous Tense. They are called "state" verbs. If you need to practice such verbs, visitEnglish Action and State Verbs page. 3. Present Continuous and Present Simple to talk about the future. o We use the Present Continuous Tense for plans and arrangements. What are you doing tonight? I'm seeing a very important customer in my office at 4 o'clock. We are going to the see for our holiday. Where are you staying in Vienna? I'm not going anywhere. It is final. o We use the Present Simple in the conditional clauses afterif, when, as soon as, until etc, and when we talk about timetable, schedules, itineraries etc. What will you do if you fail your exam? We will wait, until she comes. My plane takes off at 9.00. The President arrives in Norway on 17 September. What time does your train leave?

Present continuous tense for the future

We can also use the present continuous tense to talk about the future - if we add a future word!! We must add (or understand from the context) a future word. "Future words" include, for example,tomorrow, next year, in June, at Christmas etc. We only use the present continuous tense to talk about the future when we have planned to do something before we speak. We have already made a decision and a plan before speaking. I am taking my exam next month. past present !!! A firm plan or programme exists now. Look at these examples:

future

The action is in the future.

We're eating in a restaurant tonight. We've already booked the table..

They can play tennis with you tomorrow. They're not working. When are you starting your new job?

For future arrangements We usually use the present continuous tense for future events that have already been arranged:

I'm meeting my mother at the airport tomorrow. Our grandmother is visiting us at Christmas. Sorry, I can't stay after school today; I'm playing tennis with Jun-Sik. My mother's going to the dentist tomorrow. I'm not going home at Christmas, so I can come to your party after all! Are you doing anything on Sunday morning? Do you know if he is going to the dance with Maiko next week?

Present Continuous Tense #4

The present continuous tense is used to refer to actions or situations that are happening now. It is also used to refer to actions or situations that are temporary but last for long periods of time. There is also a third common use for this tense: to talk about actions or situations in the future.

Using the Present Continuous Tense to Refer to The Future

The present continuous tense is used to talk about the future when an action or situation is planned or intended. Sentences with this use of the present continuous always have words or phrases which refer to future time: He's studying in the library. (now) He's studying in the library tonight. (future) She's leaving. (now) She's leaving tomorrow morning. (future) They're driving to Chicago. (now) They're driving to Chicago next week. (future) We're having a test. (now) We're having a test in two days. (future) They're playing tennis. (now) They're playing tennis tomorrow. (future) ___________________________________________ When the present continuous tense is used to show future actions or situations, all the common future time words and phrases can be used: tomorrow tomorrow morning / evening / night, etc. next week / month / year, etc. the day after tomorrow the week / month / year, etc. after next in ___ hours / days / weeks / months, etc. ___ hours / days / weeks / months, etc. from now in + future year on + future date

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Remember: The action or situation in sentences with present continuous tense and future time must be planned or intended. The present continuous tense cannot be used if an action or situation cannot logically be planned in advance: not possible: It's raining tomorrow. not possible: I'm feeling fine next week.

Present Continuous for future

4 Plans, intentions and arrangements for the future Present continuous tense
The present continuous tense is used to refer to actions or situations that are happening now, at this moment It is also used to refer to actions or situations that are temporary, so present continuous for temporary periods of time that last for a long time. There is also a third common use for this tense:

to talk about actions or situations in the future

How we use Present Continuous Tense for The Future

We use the present continuous tense to talk about the future when an action or situation is part of a: plan an arrangement intention. Sentenceswith this use of the present continuous always have words or phrases which refer tofuture time or the context leaves it very clear: Marys studying in the library. (now) Shes studying at Bethans house this evening. (future) Stans arriving. (now) Hes just called from the airport Hes arriving tomorrow morning about 7.30 (future) Were driving to Manchester. (now) Were driving to Glasgow next week. (future) Were doing a physics exam. (now) Were doing a History exam in two days. (future)

Theyre swimming in the pool. (now) Theyre swimming across the bay tomorrow. (future) For future actions or situations using the present continuous, all the common future time words and phrases can be used: this afternoon tonight tomorrow tomorrow morning / afternoon/ evening / night, etc. next week / month/ December / year, etc. the day after tomorrow the week / month / year, etc. after next in ___ hours / days / weeks / months, etc. ___ hours / days / weeks / months, etc. from now in 2013 (or other year) on Christmas day / November 24th (future date) Remember: Certain verbs, actions or situations in sentences cannot be used with the present continuous with future meaning because they are not part of a plan, an arrangement or an intention. Thepresent continuous tense for the future can only be used when an action or situation can logically be planned in advance: My legs hurting next Thursday. Is NOT possible Hes having an accident in December. Is NOT possible Its snowing next week. Is NOT possible