Definition of The Present

Continuous Tense
The

present continuous tense is formed

from the present tense of the verb be
and the present participle (-ing form) of
a verb

The

present continuous, also called

the present progressive, is one of the
present tenses used in modern English,
the others being the simple present and
the emphatic present.

Definition of The Present

Continuous Tense
The

present continuous is used to

talk about present situations
which we see as short-term or
temporary. We use the present
simple to talk about present
situations which we see as longterm or permanent.

How do we make the

Present Continuous

The structure of the present

Tense?
continuous tense is:

Subject + to be + verb 1 +
ing

these examples:

these examples:

Adverbs

The present continuous tense is used to talk about actions

and situations that are in progress at the moment of speaking.

The following time expressions are commonly used with the

present continuous tense:
today, at present, at the moment, still, now, currently

Examples :
I am working on a new project now.
My father is working in his office at the moment.
I am seeing John tomorrow.
We are still waiting for their reply.
He is working for a foreign company at present.

In these examples, the action is

taking place at the time of
speaking.
It's

raining.
Who is Kate talking to on the
phone?
Look, somebody is trying to steal
that man's wallet.
I'm not looking. My eyes are
closed tightly.

In these examples, the action is

true at the present time but we
don't think it will be true in the
long term.
I'm

looking for a new apartment.

He's thinking about leaving his job.
They're considering making an
appeal against the judgment.
Are you getting enough sleep?

In these examples, the action is

at a definite point in the future
and it has already been arranged.
I'm

meeting her at 6.30.

They aren't arriving until Tuesday.
We are having a special dinner at
a top restaurant for all the senior
managers.
Isn't he coming to the dinner?

Use
We use the present continuous tense to talk about :
1. the present for something that is happening at the moment of speaking

Im just leaving work. Ill be home in an hour.

Please be quiet. The children are sleeping.

2. actions happening at the moment of speaking

Peter is reading a book now.

3. activities happening now.
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?

4. for something which is happening before and

after a given time:
At

eight oclock we are usually having

breakfast.
When I get home the children are doing their
homework.

5. We can also use the Present Continuous Tense

to talk about activities happening around now,
and not necessarily this very moment.
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.

6.for something which we think is

temporary:
Michael

is at university. Hes
studying history.
Im working in London for the
next two weeks.

temporary actions
His father is working in Rome this
month

7. actions happening around the

moment of speaking (longer
actions)
My friend is preparing for his
exams.
8. to show that something is
changing, growing or developing:
The children are growing quickly.
The climate is changing rapidly.
Your English is improving.

9. for something which happens

again and again:
Its always raining in London.
They are always arguing.
George is great. Hes always
laughing.
Note:

We normally use always

with this use.

10. We use the present continuous tense to talk

about the future:
A. for something which has been arranged or
planned:
Mary is going to a new school next term.
What are you doing next week?
B. fixed plan in the near future
She is going to Basel on Saturday.
11. The Present Continuous Tense is also used to
talk about activities happening in the near
future, especially for planned future events.
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.

12. We can use the present continuous to

talk about the past:
When
When

we are telling a story:

we are summarising the story from
a book, film or play etc.

13. trends
More and more people are using their
computers to listen to music.
14.repeated

actions which are

irritating to the speaker (with
always, constantly, forever)

Andrew

is always coming late.

The present continuous of any verb is

composed of two parts :
the present tense of the verb to be + the
present participle of the main verb.
The

form of the present participle is : V+

ing
e.g. talking, playing, moving, smiling

Affirmative

Subject

S+ to be + V1 +ing
She

is talking

Negative Subject
S + to be + not + V+ ing
She

is not (isn't) talking

Interrogative
to be + subject + V+ ing
Is

she talking?

IMPORTANT NOTES:
The

present continuous (progressive) is

used only with action verbs.

Example: I am working at the moment

NOT I am believing you.
The

present continuous (progressive) is

also used to describe an action which is
happening around this moment

Example: I'm reading 'Just in Time' this

week. I'm not reading the book at this
particular moment, but around this time.

The Present Continuous,

Passive Voice

Active / Passive Present

Continuous
S + to be + being + VIII + (by) + O +
C
Active :
Right now, Sarah is writing the letter.
Passive :
Right now, the letter is being
written by Sarah.