Present Continuous Tense (Advanced)

FORM

present be-verb + present participle

am + doing

 

USAGE

  • Present continuous is used with normal verbs to express that the action

is happening now, at present moment.

Examples:

Mary is just leaving work. She’ll be home in 30 minutes.

Please keep quiet. The students are taking their examination.

 

  • It is also used to talk about definite future plans or arrangements.

Examples:

Katy is going to marry Walter next fall.

What are you doing this weekend?

 

  • It can also be used to talk about temporary situations that are not necessarily happening now.

Examples:

Lindsay is working in a restaurant until she finds a better opportunity.

They are training for a marathon.

 

  • Present continuous is used to talk about an action that is happening around a specific time.

Examples:

At three o’clock, she is having a nap.

When I get to home, my husband is waiting for me.

 

  • Another use for present continuous is for temporary or new habits. Time expressions such as “these days” or “at the moment” are commonly used in this case.

Examples:

She’s binge shopping these days. She must be really stressed out at work.

John is running every single morning. He didn’t used to do this.

 

  • It is also used for habits that are not regularly done but happen very frequently.

Examples:

You’re always forgetting our birthdays!

She’s normally stuttering when she is nervous.

 

  • It can also be used to talk about something which is new and is a contrast with the past state.

Example:

Most children are playing video games instead of playing outside their homes.

These days, most people are communicating by chat instead of talking face-to-face.

 

  • It is also used to talk about something that is changing.

Example:

The plants are growing so fast.

Spain’s economy is improving.

 

  • Another use of present continuous is to talk about something which happens repeatedly.

Examples:

It’s always raining in Southeast Asian countries.

His parents are constantly arguing about money.

She’s very pretty. She’s always smiling.

 

EXEMPTION

Present Continuous cannot be used with stative verbs.

Examples:

I agree with you. (I am agreeing with you.)

This house belongs to his family now. (This house is belonging to his family now.)

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