Present tense “The Present Continuous Tense. Present continuous: examples of sentences and forms of use

present continuous tense- one of the temporary forms of the English language, which has no analogues in Russian. Its exact name is translated as the present continuous (long), and this already contains the essence of this tense: it is used to describe the situation that is happening at a given moment in time.

The present continuous tense in English has many features of use, and due to the fact that in Russian there is no division of tense into long or regular, it can cause some difficulties for those who study English.

So, two examples can be given that reflect such a situation:

· I’m speaking English - I speak English (referring to the fact that I speak English right now)
· I speak English - I speak English (meaning that I always speak English).

In the second example, Present Indefinite (Simple) is used to show the regularity and constancy of the action. In the first case, Present Continuous is used to emphasize that the situation is happening in this particular time period.

Education Present Continuous

It is important to understand not only how the Present Continuous is formed, but also why it happens that way. The basis of this tense is the auxiliary verb to be, the three forms of which in the present tense, as you know, are am (for the pronoun “I”), is (“he”, “she”, “it”) and are (“we” , “you”, “they”). In addition, the construction of time includes a form of the verb called Present Participle, or Participle I and having the ending -ing. Thus, the present continuous tense in English, or rather, the Present Continuous formula looks like this:

Am
Is + V-ing
Are

Questions and negatives

Interrogative sentences

in such a temporary form they differ in that no auxiliary words like do and does are used here, as is the case with Present Indefinite. In this case, the scheme is simple: the verb to be is put in the first place in the desired form, followed by the subject, and then the rest of the structure:

Are you going to school now? – Are you going to school now?
Is he watching a new film at the moment? Is he watching a new movie now?

But here you should pay attention to the fact that, like any other tense, Present Continuous has different types of questions. And if the above suggestions apply to general issues, then, for example, special questions in Present Continuous (while the question does not apply to the subject here) are formed using a special interrogative word that comes first, and the further order is exactly the same:

Where is he going? - Where is he going?
Why are they running so fast? Why are they running so fast?

Question to the subject

the present continius has some peculiarity: in the first place is the interrogative pronoun who, asking a question about an animate object, or what (about an inanimate one). In Russian, the question to the subject begins with the words who or what.

Examples of how a subject question looks like in Present Continuous:

Who is making such a strange noise? Who is making this strange noise?
What is flying over that house? What is flying over that house?

Negative sentences

they do not carry any complexity at all: the particle not is simply added to the verb to be in the required form. Here are some examples of sentences that illustrate the negation in Present Continuous:

I'm not walking with my friend now - I'm not walking with a friend now
· They are not talking to their chief at the moment - At the moment they are not talking to their chief.

Rules for writing verb forms in Present Continuous

The grammar of the present continuous requires compliance with certain rules for writing some verbs that are used in a long form:

1. In the event that the last vowel of the verb is the unpronounceable -e, then it will not be written:

to drive - driving
to describe - describing
to dance - dancing

2. There are also situations where the doubling of the consonant occurs:

In the event that the last consonant of the verb is preceded by a short stressed vowel, then this consonant will be doubled:

to stop - stopping
to cut - cutting
to forget - forgetting

· in the event that the last consonant is -l, preceded by a vowel, then this -l will also be doubled:

to tell - telling
to travel-traveling
to spell - spelling

Note: For American English, the doubling rule -l is not typical.

3. In the case when the verb ends with the letter combination -ie, then the replacement with -y takes place:

to die - dying
to lie-lying

Note: if the verb ends in -y, then in this case, the ending -ing is simply added to it:

to fly - flying
to cry-crying

Cases of using Present Continuous

The use of Present Continuous is typical for the following situations:

1. In order to show a long-term effect,

happening at a particular moment in time. Present continius time, also called Present Progressive Tense, often carries with it some so-called markers, the presence of which, as a rule, indicates that the time will be just that. Such pointer words and constructions are usually now, at the moment. But at the same time, it is important to remember that when speaking about the present moment, one should not focus on the fact that the action is being performed at one particular moment and only now. If in Russian words such as now or now are used, in English we use Present Continuous in a broader sense:

John, you are talking nonsense - John, you are talking nonsense
Jack and Mary are in London now. Mary is studying English - Jack and Mary are in London now. Mary is studying English.

At the same time, there are also Examples Present Continuous, when this time is used to show a certain state or quality characteristic of a person at a particular moment in time:

You are being a nuisance - you interfere;
· You are being bitter - You are sorry.

Note: in the event that we are talking about actions taking place in the present tense, but describing not the process, but the very fact of the action, then it is customary to use Present Indefinite:

· Why don't you answer, Emily? Why don't you answer, Emily?
Your defend him despite all his misdeeds - You defend him despite all his misdeeds

2. In a situation where there are two actions in one sentence,

and one of them shows the regularity, and the other - the process, then in the first case the Present Indefinite Tense should be used, and in the second - the Present Continuous Tense:

You never talk while you are working - You never talk when you work
She always dreams while she is walking - She always dreams while walking

3. To express the future

In English, in Present Continuous, not only the present can be expressed, but also. This is typical for situations when it comes to actions that have been decided and planned in advance, and the chance of their completion is close to one hundred percent:

· I am leaving tomorrow at sunset - I'm leaving tomorrow at sunset
They are coming to us on Sunday - They will come to us on Sunday

The construction to be going to deserves special attention, which is translated into English as going to do something and is also used to express intentions for the future. Its difference from Present Continuous is that here, as a rule, the exact time is not indicated:

I am going to visit you - I'm going to visit you
She is going to come - She is going to come

Note: present rule Continuous provides for the use in such situations exclusively of this tense, and not Future Indefinite, where decisions aimed at the future are usually spontaneous and only probable.

4. With "constantly, always, ever"

With Present Continuous, those sentences are usually used in which situations are aimed at demonstrating those actions that are always long and never stand still. In this case, special clues often appear in the form of adverbs constantly, always, ever:

The population of the Earth is always increasing - The population of the Earth is constantly increasing
· The Sun is ever shining - The sun always shines

5. Irritation

Often there are such sentences in the Present Continuous in which the speaker expresses the idea of ​​irritation and negative emotions in relation to another. Here, all the same satellites are also usually used - adverbs always, constantly:

· You are always grumbling! - You always grumble!
She is constantly complaining! She's always complaining!

Verbs not used in Continuous

English, like, perhaps, any other, has its own strict laws. If we are talking about Present Continuous Active, then it is extremely important to remember that not all verbs can form the Present Participle form and be used to indicate the process. Below are the categories of verbs that are not used in Continuous and cannot form the –ing or so-called form:

verbs of sensory perception (see, hear, smell, etc.);
verbs, the essence of which is to express desire and intention (wish, intend, want, etc.);
Verbs illustrating mental activity (think, suppose, believe, etc.);
verbs showing feelings and emotions (love, hate, like, etc.);
verbs that display abstract relationships (have, belong, possess, etc.).

But even in these cases there are exceptions: for example, the verb of sensory perception to see in its direct meaning see has no right to stand in Continuous. But, acting, for example, as a phrasal verb (to see off - to see off) or being part of some construction (to see the sights of - to see the sights), it has full right form the –ing form. This means that all verbs that are not used in Continuous, one way or another can be used in a long time, and such situations with them are formed and sound quite natural:

· I'm thinking of tomorrow's meeting - I'm thinking about tomorrow's meeting
What are you doing? - I am having breakfast - What are you doing? I eat breakfast

Thus, even such a relatively simple time has many nuances that must be taken into account. Present Continuous rules the uses are simple, but each of them has its own peculiarity, having understood which it will be much easier to use this time in speech.

Present Progressive - Present Progressive is quite common in English. Pronounced in Russian [present progressive] - English transcription. After studying the article, you can easily find Present Continuous in the text, conjugate verbs, learn how to use all three forms of sentences, and learn the various rules for using this tense.

At the end of the article are exercises that will help you master the language skills. Beginners may be confused with Present Progressive, as these two tenses are used in the present form. Here, we presented a detailed explanation on the topic - Present Continuous.

Read the story on Present Progressive. Be sure to pay attention to the underlined verbs.

Right now, it's Friday evening. Sindy and Ron are at home. They are sitting on the sofa. They are eating dinner. At this moment, Sindy is drinking water. She is eating chocolate. She is sitting next to Ron. She is talking to Ron. Ron is Sindy's husband. He is sitting on the sofa with Sindy. He is also drinking water. Ron is listening to Sindy. After dinner, Ron and Sindy are visiting their friends.

Cases of using Present Progressive tense (Continuous)

There are several cases where only the Present Continuous is used, and not some other. Below are sample sentences to help you understand the topic.

• 1. Actions that are happening at the moment, right now:

Example (for example):

— My boss is having dinner with his sister now - The boss is now having lunch with his sister.
— My brother is having a shower at the moment - My brother is taking a shower at the moment.
— I'm practicing Italian grammar - I practice Italian grammar.

• 2. Actions are happening now, but not necessarily happening at this moment. That is, when the action has started but not yet ended:

Example (for example):

— my friend is preparing for his exam - My friend is preparing for the exam. (This means that it is being prepared, but not at the moment).
— I'm reading a great book - I am reading a wonderful book. (Optional at this point. I've started reading but haven't finished yet.)
— My mother is writing a book - My mother is writing a book.
—She is looking for a new apartment - She is looking for a new apartment.

• 3. If you have a photograph or a painting and you want to describe it to someone, then we also use the Present Continuous:

Example:

— They are sitting on the bench. The two women on the left are drinking water. Some of them are eating apples - They are sitting on a bench. The two women on the left are drinking water. Some of them eat apples.
It doesn't matter if the photo was just taken or a few years ago, we still use our long time.

• 4. When there are 2 actions, one of which is in progress, and the other is a habitual action, the first is expressed by Present Count., the second:

Example:

— you never close your mouth while you are eating You never close your mouth while eating. (close - stands in, since this is a human habit, and the second is a process, which is why Present Progressive is used).
— I never sleep while I' m working I never sleep while I work.

• 5. Actions that only happen temporarily:

Compare two examples:

(Comparison and Present Progressive)

— She lives
—She is living with her grandparents - She lives with her grandparents.

What do you think is the difference?

In the first sentence, she lives permanently with her grandparents. Secondly, this is a temporary situation.

More examples:

— His father works in Amsterdam - His father works in Amsterdam.
— His father is working in Amsterdam this month - His father is working in Amsterdam this month.

• 6. Constant repetitive actions with ever, always, forever, constantly which express irritation and criticism:

example:

— Terry is constantly touching my books! Terry touches my books all the time!
— They are always causing trouble! They always create problems!
— He is such a boring man, who's always making fuss about nothing! – He is such a boring person who always quarrels about nothing!

Pay attention to the following example:

— The earth is always moving- The earth is always moving.

In this sentence, the Earth moves in the literal sense of the word, and this is true. This is an ongoing process. Therefore, we use the present continuous tense.

• 7. Planned actions, events in the near future:

example:

— I' m my family tonight - in the evening I will visit my family (everything is planned).
— They are gettin g married next week - They will get married next week.
— My husband is picking me up at 7 o'clock tonight - My husband will pick me up at seven o'clock.

• 8. Changing or evolving situations:

example:

— The climate is getting warmer - The climate is getting warmer.
— The price of gold is increasing- The price of gold is rising.
— Your English and German are getting better - Your English and German are improving.

• 9. Physical condition:

We can use Present Progressive (Continuous) to express physical state.

example:

— How are you feeling? - How do you feel?

But we can also say:

— How do you feel?

With Present Indefinite, the meaning is the same.

— My back is hurting- My back hurts.
— My back hurts

The two options in Present Continuous and (Present Simple) are absolutely correct.

• 10. Trends:

example:

— More and more people are using their computers to watch films - More and more people are using computers to watch movies.

• 11. Another moment when we use the Present Progressive is when you have the feeling that you are starting to realize something:

example:

— I find
— I'm finding it is difficult to live with him - It is difficult for me to live with him.

- In the first version, these feelings are not new for you.
- In the second option, when you use the present continuous tense, then these feelings are new for you. I mean, you've only just started thinking about it.
A common mistake is to use this form to describe what a company sells or makes. In general, a company sells something on a regular basis, so you need to use the present simple tense, not the present continuous.

Let's look at examples:

- Wrong: We are producing plastic pipes.
- That's right: We produce plastic pipes - We produce plastic pipes.

Marker words (satellites) Present Progressive (Continuous)

The English language uses pointer words, they tell you which tense you should use. In the present continuous tense, these words are used in situations that occur during a conversation or making plans for the near future.

Actions taking place at the moment of speaking (now):

look!
Listen!
At present
Now
just now
At the moment
right now

Activities for the near future:

In the morning etc.
Tomorrow
Next/next week
Tonight
Today
This afternoon

Always
Still
Nowadays

Examples of sentences for hint words (markers):

look! The sun is rising - Look! The sun is rising.

I'm looking after June's dog this week I am looking after June's dog this week.

She is staying with parents in Rome at present He is currently with his parents in Rome.

Present Progressive (Continuous) sentence forms

Let's look at how sentence forms are used in the present continuous tense in English.

Affirmative sentences (Positive Sentences)

As always, an affirmative sentence begins with a subject (subject), followed by an auxiliary verb to be, which changes. Therefore, we need to repeat the conjugation of the verb to be (I am, They are, He is etc). The ending -ing is added to the semantic verb, and the to particle is not used.

The formula is very simple:
Subject + to be + main Verb + ing(participle Participle I)
Subject + verb to be + semantic verb + -ing form.

Table of the affirmative form of Present Continuous Tense:

Who? Who?	Form of verb (verb form)	Examples (examples)
I (I)	am+ verb + ing	I am training now
He/She/It (he, she, it)	is+ verb + ing	He is clapping now She is singing now It is working now
You (you, you)	are+ verb + ing	You are typing now
We (we)	are+ verb + ing	We are talking now
They (they)	are+ verb + ing	They are kissing now

Native speakers very often abbreviate the pronoun and to be:

I am - I'm having a good time in these woods.
You are - You're holding my handbag.
You can also safely abbreviate pronouns for fast speech.

Negative sentence form Present Progressive (Negative Sentences)

The construction of negative sentences is the same as in Russian. You need to add the particle ‘not’ (not) after to be. Everything else is in place. To simplify, let's look at the table:

Who? Who?	Form of verb (verb form)	Examples (examples)
I (I)	am + not+ verb + ing	I am not training now
He/She/It (he, she, it)	is + not+ verb + ing	He is not clapping now She is not cooking now It is not working now
You (you, you)	are + not+ verb + ing	You are not running now
We (we)	are + not+ verb + ing	We are not having a shower now
They (they)	are + not+ verb + ing	They are not kissing now

Abbreviated form of negative sentences:

They aren't jumping or they're not...
He isn't phoning or He's not…
And so on.

Interrogative form of sentences Present Progressive (Interrogative or question sentences)

To form an interrogative sentence, you will need:

Verb to be (verb to be) - takes 1st place
Subject (subject) - takes 2nd place
Main verb (semantic verb) - takes 3rd place

Table of the interrogative form of the sentence:

verb to be	Who? Who?	Form of verb (verb form)	Form of verb (verb form)
Am	I (I)	verb + ing	Am I sitting now?
Is	He/She/It (he, she, it)	verb + ing	Is he walking now? Is she crying now? Is it cracking now?
Are	You (you, you)	verb + ing	Are you training now?
Are	We (we)	verb + ing	Are we boxing now?
Are	They (they)	verb + ing	Are they diving now?

Do you know that there is also an interrogative-negative form? Let's look at an example right now:

—Is she not studying?

The abbreviated form can also be used without hesitation in such sentences:

— Isn't she studying?

Learn more about interrogative sentences(question sentences):

Tag questions - Tag questions
General questions - Yes/No questions
Alternative questions - Alternative questions
Special or WH-questions

Rules for the formation of Present Continuous (Progressive) tense in English. Rules for adding the ending -ing to verbs

When -ing form is added to a verb, some of them change in spelling:

• 1. Verbs on - e, when adding -ing form, the letter is e out:

- Have - having

Verbs ending in a long sound e, then add -ing from without changing the spelling:

See-seeing
-Agree-agreeing

• 2. Verbs on - ie, when adding -ing form, then the letter changes to - y:

• 3. Verbs on - y, when adding -ing form, the letter is preserved:

- Cry - crying

• 4. If the verb consists of one syllable and ends in (consonant + vowel + consonant), then the last consonant is doubled:

— Plan — planning
Win-winning

• 5. When the verb ends in (С + Г + С) and has two or more syllables, and if the final syllable is stressed, then the last consonant is doubled:

-forget-forgetting
-regret-regretting

Note (note):
below are verbs ending in (С + Г + С). However, the consonant is not doubled, as they end in w, x or y:

-Row-rowing
- stay - staying

The spelling of the word Travel can be written in two ways:

Traveling - American version / American English

Traveling - British/British English

General Table of Education of the Present Continuous - Present Progressive

Offer types	Present continuous
Affirmative sentence	I + am + v-ing(verb in -ing form) We/you/they + are + v-ing He/she/it + is + v-ing
Negative sentence	I + am not + v-ing We/you/they + are not(aren't) + V-ing He/she/it + is not(isnt) + V-ing
Interrogative sentence	Am+ I + V-ing…? Are+ we/you/they + V-ing Is+ he/she/it + V-ing
Special question	WH + am/is/are + S + V-ing WH-question word, S subject- subject, V-verb. WH Why, when, where, etc.

Present Progressive (Continuous) - Present Continuous: exercises with translation and answers

Do the exercises to master the material.

Exercise 1(exercise). Put the verb into Present Continuous and translate the sentences.

1. Tom (eat) an apple.

2. My granddad (wear) a nice coat.

3. Sarah and Rob (talk) to father.

4. Jim (do) the washing-up right now.

5. Peter (sit) on the bench.

6. My mum (prepare) brunch now.

7. Ben (pack) the picnic basket.

8. Listen! Stan (come) home.

9. We (collect) our son from school.

10. I (not wash) my hair.

answers. Answers to the exercise:

1. Is eating
2. Are wearing
3. Are talking
4. Is doing
5. Is sitting
6. Is preparing
7.Is packing
8. Is coming
9. Are collecting
10. Am not washing

Exercise 2. Put the sentences into interrogative form using the Present Progressive.

1. __ I ___ (wear) a warm sweater?

2. __ he ___ (read) the magazine?

3. __ the President ___ (make) the right decision?

4. ___ we ___ (read) a lot of books?

5. __ my sisters ___ (come) to the concert with us?

answers. Answers to the exercise:

1. Am I wearing…?
2. Is he reading…?
3. Is the President making…?
4. Are we reading…?
5. Are my sisters coming…?

Exercise 3. Put the verbs in the -ing form and sort them into a table.

Rob, listen, lie, use, die, cry, come, travel, put, bring, run, tie, dive, hope, go.

+ -ing	-ie Changes to y + -ing	-ie Changes to y + -ing	Double consonant + -ing

answers. Answers to the exercise:

1. Robbing
2. Lying
3.Using
4. Bringing
5. Running
6. Tying
7. Hoping
8 Going
9. Crying
10. Coming
11. Putting

Exercise 4. An exercise on the differences between Present Simple and Present Progressive.

1. I (work) from 8 to 6 every day.

2. She (watch) TV right now.

3. My brother always (play) soccer on Saturday.

4. Can your father (speak) Chinese?

5. What do you (do)? I'm drinking a cup of tea.

6. He (write) a letter to his girlfriend now.

7. We need an umbrella because it (rain) outside.

8. Be quite because my baby (sleep).

9. John (visit) his parents twice a week.

10. They always (go) to university from Monday to Friday.

answers. Answers to the exercise:

1. Work
2. Is watching
3. Plays
4. Speak
5. Are you doing
6. Is writing
7. Is raining
8. Is sleeping
9. Visits
10 Go

affirmative form

Subject + to be (am, is, are) + Present Participle (infinitive without to ending -ing)

1. I am typing a message - I am writing a message (now).

• typing - infinitive type + ending -ing

2. Boris is playing the piano now - Boris is now playing the piano.

• playing - infinitive play + ending -ing
• now (now) - a word denoting the moment of speech

3. We are watching the football match - We are watching Soccer game(Now).

• watching - infinitive watch + ending -ing

Negative form

Subject + to be (am, is, are) + not + Present Participle (infinitive without to ending -ing)

1. I am not having a bath - I am not taking a bath (now).

• am - auxiliary verb to be
• not - negative particle
• having - infinitive have + ending -ing

2. It is not snowing - It's not snowing (now)

• is - auxiliary verb to be
• not - negative particle
• snowing - infinitive snow + ending -ing

3. My parents are not sleeping - My parents are not sleeping (now).

• are - auxiliary verb to be
• not - negative particle
• sleeping - infinitive sleep + ending -ing

Interrogative form

to be (am, is, are) + subject + Present Participle (infinitive without to ending -ing)

1. Is he cutting bread now? Is he cutting bread now? (general question)

• is - the auxiliary verb to be stands on first
• cutting - infinitive cut + ending -ing

2. Is the plane taking off right now? Is the plane taking off right now?

• is - the auxiliary verb to be stands on first place to form a question
• taking - infinitive take + ending -ing

3. Why are you shouting at him? Why are you yelling at him? (special question)

• are - the auxiliary verb to be stands after question word why and before subject
• shouting - infinitive shout + ending -ing

#2 Cases of using Present Continuous

1. Long-term action, which happens at the moment of speaking.

• The cat is playing with its tail - The cat plays with its tail. (now, at the moment)
• Don't make a noise, Mary is work ing Don't make noise, Maria is working.

2. Long action continues now but not necessarily at the moment of speaking.

• I "m looking for a book the Codex Leicester - I'm looking for the book "Leicester Code". (A person is looking for a book, but not at the moment of speech. The action has begun, but has not yet ended)

Present Continuous shows what in the present period of time Human looking for this book, but usually (at all) he does not do this.

IN this case not used present simple, since the meaning of such a sentence would be different.

I often buy history books - I often buy history books. (Present Simple expresses action, which usually happens. In this case, it is understood that a person usually buys historical books).

A few more similar examples.

• Have you heard about John? He is writing a book about bodybuilding – Heard about John? He is writing a book about bodybuilding. (currently, but not at the time of speaking)
• My brother is working on a new online shop - My brother is working on a new online store. (currently, but not at the time of speaking)

3. Action expression in future when it comes intention or pre-planned action.

• We are going to the cinema tonight - Tonight we are going to the cinema.
• Our manager is leaving London tomorrow - Our manager is leaving London tomorrow.

4. With words always(Always), constantly(permanently), etc. The present continuous expresses an action that is repeated again and again. Usually in such sentences the speaker expresses impatience, disapproval.

• He is always losing his keys! He's always losing his keys!
• Why are you always criticizing her? Why are you always criticizing her?
• She is constantly stealing our images - She is constantly stealing our images.

5. Present Continuous is used to show change or trend.

• The weather is improving - The weather is improving.
• The climate is changing rapidly - The climate is changing rapidly.
• The cars are becoming more and more expensive - Cars are becoming more and more expensive.

#3 Turn TO BE GOING TO

The verb to go in Present Continuous + the infinitive forms a turnover to be going to that matters I'm going, I'm going.

• I am going to work with them - I'm going to work with them.
• She is going to complain to the manager about your behavior - She is going to complain to the manager about your behavior.
• How long are you going to wait for him? How long are you going to wait for him?
• We are going to invite her - We are going to invite her.

#4 Verbs that not used in Present Continuous

The verbs listed below not used in the times of the Continuous group. As a rule, these verbs are used in the times of the Indefinite group. This is explained by these verbs express feelings and states, not actions.

For example:

• I am wanting some coffee(wrong)
• I want some coffee (that's right)

Feeling/perception to feel * - feel to hear - to hear to see * - see to smell - to smell to taste - try (taste) Opinion to assume - assume, assume to believe - to believe to consider - to believe, to consider to doubt - to doubt to find (= to consider) to suppose - to assume to think - to think state of mind to forget - forget to imagine - to imagine to know - to know to mean - keep in mind to notice - notice to recognize - to recognize to remember - remember to understand - understand

Emotions/Desires to envy - to envy to fear - to be afraid to dislike - to feel dislike to hate - to hate to hope - hope to like - love, like to love - to love to mind - object to prefer - prefer to regret - regret to want - want to wish - wish Measurement to contain - contain to cost - cost to hold - contain, contain to measure - measure to weigh - weigh Other to seem - seem to have (when it means "to possess") * - to have, to possess to belong - to belong

*Exceptions Verbs of perception (see, hear, feel, taste, smell) usually used with can : I can see ... - I see ... These verbs can also be used in Continuous, but with a different meaning. This coat feels nice and warm - This coat feels (feels) warm and nice. (feeling the qualities of the jacket) John "s feeling much better now - Now John feels much better. (His health is improving) She has three dogs and a cat - She has three dogs and a cat. (ownership of something) She "s having supper - She has dinner. (she eats) I can see Anthony in the garden - I see Anthony in the garden. (perception) I "m seeing Anthony later - I will meet with Anthony later. (We plan to meet)

The present continuous is the first time that an English learner starts to get confused. If everything is more or less clear with the present, past and future - these three tenses are in almost all languages, then why do we need Present Continuous - another present?

If you are asking the same question, get ready for big shocks - there are at least 12 times in English (), and most of them have no analogues in Russian. But I hope that the readers of the site will not be surprised by the number of tenses in English, especially since the idea in Present Continuous is quite simple.

continuous vs progressive

But before starting to list the main use cases, a small digression for meticulous readers. Present Continuous (in textbooks with translation you can see “real continuous” or “real continuous”) is sometimes also called Present Progressive. In English it is exactly the same.

The remark "in English" certainly did not escape the eye of more meticulous readers. In oriental languages, for example, in Chinese (Mandarin), it is not the same thing - “to do something at this moment”, for example, putting on a shirt is one time (Progressive), but “to be in some state” For example, wearing a shirt is something else (Continuous).

And since we are talking about continuous in other languages, I will add that in many European languages ​​there is no analogue for continuous at all. Yes, in Italian and Spanish there is a construction for what is being done "right now", but it is used much less often than in English. Not in French and German grammatical way show that the action is happening "right now". Why go far - it’s the same in Russian: to emphasize that I’m doing something “right now”, I’ll have to say it right away - “I’m reading an article right now”, or you have to guess from the context “milk on the stove runs away [precisely at this moment, and not in general in life ...] "...
In English, the difference between "in general" and "right now" can be expressed grammatically - and that's what we'll talk about.

How is the Present Continuous formed?

The formula for the formation of Present Continuous is as follows: we take the verb to be, put it in the desired form, as in the simple present (am, are, is) and add the verb we need in the –ing form to it. Here are some examples.

I am reading a book. I am reading a book.
You are watching the TV show. You are watching a TV show.
My girlfriend is chatting with her friends, while I'm doing her homework. My girlfriend chats with her friends while I do for her homework.

verb to be in this construction is called the “auxiliary verb” - auxiliary verb. (This will come in handy when we parse negative sentences or learn how to ask questions).

When and how to use Present Continuous

We figured out what Present Continuous looks like, now the most interesting thing is how to use it. Here are the three most common cases.

1. The action really happens “at this very moment”

That literally happens, at the moment when you say the phrase, at the same time.

Right now I am reading an article on the site- this is what readers of this article can say about themselves right now in Present Continuous.

What are you doing? What are you doing? Right now, when I look at you and ask - what are you doing at this moment.

I'm singing in the rain, just singing in the rain. I feel the drops fall on my head, but I don't stop singing, as the hero of a classic Hollywood movie did.

2. The action takes place in the wider "now", not far from the current moment.

If the “now” in which the action takes place is not exactly this second, but this minute, this day, a year, and even a century, then this is also a case. use Present continuous.

I'm reading "Lord of the Rings" now. I'm currently reading The Lord of the Rings. To say so, it is not necessary to hold a weighty volume of Tolkien in your hands, and even not take your eyes off the lines for a second. Present Continuous in this case is rather “these days” (or even “months” - the book is very long).

What are you working on now? What are you working on now? I mean, in general, what projects and tasks are you working on these days/months/years? And at the same time, your interlocutor is not at all obliged to hold tools in his hands or sit at a computer.

Our galaxy, Milky Way is heading for a collision with our neighbor, Andromeda galaxy. Our galaxy, the Milky Way, is about to collide with its neighbor, the Andromeda galaxy. And the fact that there are still 4 billion years left before the collision does not prevent us from using the Present Continuous here.

Present Continuous vs Present Simple

If this “now” is so extensible, then how is it fundamentally different from Present Simple? I live in Russia or I'm living in Russia? After all, I live in Russia at the moment?

The answer to this question depends on you, on what you want to say. This is something permanent that is unlikely to change in any foreseeable future - then Present Simple, " I live in Russia". And if you want to emphasize that this is just one of the few states that you are going through, and the situation may soon change - then I'm living in Russia.

Here are some more examples. Please note that Present Simple is used for permanent states, Present Continuous for temporary ones.

Normally I don't smoke, but I'm having a cigarette now, because I'm very nervous. I don't smoke at all, but now I'm with a cigarette, because I'm very worried.

The weather is nice today, so I'm walking home. I usually use subway. The weather is fine today and I'm walking home. Usually I ride the subway.
My friend lives in America. This weekend she is staying in my place. My friend lives in America. He will be staying with me this weekend.

There is one more important point- words denoting states (for example need, like) are not used at all in Present Continuous. Such verbs in English are called stative verbs, state verbs. This is a separate big topic, so we will consider it in a separate article. In the meantime, let's move on to the next use case of Present Continuous.

3. Plans for the near future

That is, how can the time we use to describe the present moment be used for the future? Doesn't this cause confusion among those who speak English?

I agree, it sounds weird. But, firstly, with this use of Present Continuous, the future tense is obvious to the participants in the conversation - by mentioning tomorrow, next week, in the future. Secondly, I will repeat the same argument that I used in the article about Present Simple - we use exactly the same construction in Russian. Tomorrow I'm going to visit (I'll go instead). IN next year I'm going to university (I'll do it instead).

Are you coming to the party tomorrow? - I can't. This Friday I'm taking an exam, I need to study. Are you going to the party tomorrow? - I can’t, I’m taking the exam on Friday, I have to study.

Have you forgotten that Present Simple has the same “double role”? I can imagine your confusion: Present Simple can be used to talk about the future, now Present Continuous can be used to talk about the future… What, the English tenses are not paid enough at their main place of work and they periodically “hack” in neighboring areas?

Let's try to sort out this confusion. Use the Present Simple for the future when it comes to events that happen regularly, on schedule. Present Continuous - for something irregular, but planned now.

Train for Manchester leaves the station at 7 am. The train to Manchester leaves at 7am (meaning it happens every day).

I am leaving for Liverpool in the morning. I'm going to Liverpool in the morning (and judging by this offer, I don't do it every day).

One more case. Present Continuous and Annoyance

And here is the “half-case” that I mentioned in the title - irritation. "Half-case" - because this is not the most frequent use of Present Continuous. Beginners, I think, should get comfortable with the previous three. But for those who have been studying English for a long time, Present Continuous will help to gracefully express irritation. All you need to do is add words like always, constantly, all the time:

She is always complaining about something. She constantly complains about something.

I am so tired of my boss, he is often telling me what to do. The boss really got me, he always tells me what I need to do.

This app I installed is asking for money all the time. The app I installed keeps wanting money from me.

The effect of irritation is given by the combination of Present Continuous and always. Compare here:

He always gets up at 7 o'clock. He always gets up at 7 am. And apparently, he washes himself, does exercises. Good boy.

He is always getting up at 7 o'clock. He always gets up at 7 am. And, judging by the choice of grammatical time, he turns on loud music and interferes with sleep. Annoys.

That's all.
So, Present Continuous is used for what is happening "at the moment", even if this present moment is stretched in time. This is the difference between this tense and Present Simple,
Another important use case for Present Continuous is planned events in the future.
And for those who continue to study English, there is one more interesting way use Present Continuous to express annoyance.

Present is translated as "present" and tells us that the action is being performed at the moment. Continuous is translated as "long / long" and says that the action began some time ago and is still going on.

Present Continuous is a long time. We use it when we want to say that something is in progress. For example, I am swimming, that is, I am in the process of swimming. Present Simple, on the other hand, simply shows the fact of this or that action without a process. Let's look at examples.

1. Present Simple

I drive a car.
I drive a car.

2. Present Continuous

I am driving a car.
I'm driving.

In Russian, these two sentences are translated almost identically, but but in English they express a completely different meaning:

1) just the fact that I can drive a car: I have a license and I can drive it.

2) I am driving: I have been driving a car for some time and now I am still driving, that is, I am in the process of driving.

Now let's take a closer look at exactly what cases we use present continuous.

Using Present Continuous Tense

The simple continuous tense is used in several cases.

1. When we talk about an action that is happening now (at the moment).

That is, the action began some time ago and is still ongoing (is in progress).
Example: “She is dancing” - she is in the process of dancing; "Children play with toys" - they are in the process of playing.

2. An action that is currently being performed, but not necessarily at the moment.

By this we emphasize the process of its duration.
Example: "He is studying at the university" - he is in the process of studying; "She's working on a big project" - She's in the process of working on a project.

Affirmative sentences in Present Continuous Tense

An affirmative sentence is formed by using the present tense auxiliary verb to be (am, are, is) and the ending -ing, which is added to the action verb.

The one about whom in question+ am/are/is + verb + -ing.

I	am
You
We	are	playing
They		swimming
She		cooking
He	is
It

For example

They are watch ing TV.
They are watching TV.

I am drink ing tea.
I'm drinking tea.

He is smok ing now.
He is smoking now.

Rules for adding the ending -ing

There are several peculiarities when adding the ending -ing to verbs.

• If the verb ends with -e, then the letter e we remove and add to the verb -ing:

dance e- dance ing- dance;
mov e-mov ing-; move.

• If the verb is short, we double the last consonant:

si t-si tting- sit;
ba n-ba nning- forbid.

Exceptions: verbs ending in -x And - w:

mi x-mi xing- to mix;
flo w- flo wings- flow.

• If the verb ends with -ie, then we replace this ending with -y:

l ie-l ying- lie;
t ie-t ying- bind.

Words indicating time

The following words can help us determine what exactly is Present Continuous in front of us:

• now - now;
• at the moment - at the moment.

Let's look at examples.

They are running now.
They are running now.

I am eating now.
I am eating now.

We are working at the moment.
We are working at the moment.

She is having a break at the moment.
She is on hiatus at the moment.

Verbs not used in Present Continuous Tense

Some English verbs never used at this time.

1. Verbs expressing feelings

Present Continuous does not use verbs that are associated with the senses (sight, hearing, touch, etc.).

• hear - to hear
• smell - to smell,
• feel - feel, etc.

2. Verbs expressing a mental state

• forget - forget,
• know - to know
• understand - understand, etc.

3. Verbs expressing emotions and desires

• love - to love,
• want - want
• like - like, etc.

4. Verbs expressing possession of something

• have - to have,
• possess - possess, etc.

Why are these verbs not used in Present Continuous?

As we have already discussed, this tense is used to emphasize that an action is in progress: we started doing it some time ago, we are doing it now, but after some time we will finish doing it.

To be used in our continuous tense, the verb must be able to last. For example: cook - you started cooking, cook now, finish after a while.

Returning to our exception verbs. We cannot start smell (sniff) or hear (hear) and end this process after some time. This is what we do all the time. We talk about what we can smell and hear. Similarly, forgetting, understanding or emotions cannot be processes, because otherwise it will turn out that these processes began sometime, are now continuing and someday will end.

Negative form in Present Continuous Tense

The negation is constructed as an affirmative sentence, only the negative particle not is added to our verb to be.

The one in question + am/are/is + not + verb + -ing.

I	am
You
We	are		playing
They		not	cooking
She			swimming
He	is
It

Examples

We are not do ing our homework now.
We are not doing homework now.

She is not drive ing at the moment.
She is not driving at the moment.

I am not listen ing music now.
I don't listen to music now.

Interrogative form in Present Continuous Tense

To ask if someone is doing something right now, the verb to be comes first.

Am/are/is + the one in question + verb + -ing?

Am	I
	you
Are	we	playing?
	they	cooking?
	she	swimming?
Is	he
	it

Statement

I am read ing the book.
I am reading a book.

You are swimm ing in a pool.
You swim in the pool.

She is clean ing her room now.
She is cleaning the room now.

A question and a positive answer (our “yes”) would look like this:

Question	Short answer (contains the verb to be)	Full answer (built as an affirmative sentence)
Am I read ing the book? I am reading a book?	Yes, I am. Yes, I read.	Yes, I am read ing the book. Yes, I am reading a book.
Are you swimm ing in a pool? Do you swim in the pool?	Yes, you are. Yes, you swim.	Yes, you are swimm ing in a pool. Yes, you swim in the pool.
Is she clean ing her room now? Is she cleaning the room now?	Yes, she is. Yes, she cleans.	Yes, she is clean ing her room now. Yes, she is cleaning the room now.

Negative answers (our “no”) would look like this:

Question	Short answer (contains the verb to be + not)	Full answer (formed as a negative sentence)
Am I read ing the book? I am reading a book?	no, I amnot. No, I don't read.	no, I am not read ing the book. No, I am not reading a book.
Are you swimm ing in a pool? Do you swim in the pool?	No, you arenot. No, you don't swim.	No, you are not swimm ing in a pool. No, you don't swim in the pool.
Is she clean ing her room now? Is she cleaning the room now?	No, she isnot. No, she doesn't clean.	No, she is not clean ing her room now. No, she is not cleaning the room now.

Examples

Are are they playing tennis?
They are playing tennis?

Yes, they are.
Yes, they are playing.

Are are they playing tennis?
They are playing tennis?

No, they are not.
No, they don't play.

Is he sleeping now
He is sleeping now?

Yes, he is sleeping now.
Yes, he is sleeping now.

Is he sleeping now?
He is sleeping now?

No, he is not sleeping now.
No, he is not sleeping now.

Special questions in Present Continuous Tense

When we ask a question with the following question words:

• what - what;
• where - where;
• who - who;
• which - which one;
• why - why.

These words are put in the first place in the sentence, and the further word order will be the same as in a regular question. The scheme is this:

Interrogative word + am/are/is + the one in question + verb + -ing?

	am	I
		you
What	are	they	reading?
Where		we	playing?
why		she	cooking? Reinforcement task Now for some practice. Translate the following sentences into English. Be careful, among them are hidden sentences that relate to Present Simple. 1. She is flying in an airplane at the moment. 2. Are you studying now? Yes, I am studying. 3. She walks to work. 4. It is not raining now. 4. Do they go to school? No, they don't study. 5. I am painting a picture now. 6. He doesn't fly planes. 7. The cat lies on the table. 8. What are they reading? They read new magazines. 9. My friend understands physics. As always, leave your answers in the comments below the article.