What ending does the verb have in the present continuous? Present Continuous - present continuous tense. The Present Continuous Tense - Present Continuous Tense
Here you can take a lesson on the topic: Present Continuous Tense in English language. Present Continuous Tense.
In this lesson we will learn about another frequently used tense in English called Present Continuous(Present continuous). The Present Continuous is usually used for naming actions taking place on this moment. Additionally, this time can be characterized as unfinished and visual.
English verbs take on a special form to express the present continuous tense, namely the verb to be in the appropriate form is combined with a verb ending in the suffix -ing (Ving). Thus, the formula of verbs in the Present Continuous is as follows: to be + Ving. For example:
He is watching football on TV. - He watches football on TV. (action takes place at the moment)
To better understand what verbs look like in the Present Continuous, consider the conjugation of the verb work using personal pronouns as an example:
I am working (I"m working) - I am working
you are working (you"re working) - you are working / You are working
he is working (he"s working) - he is working
she is working (she"s working) - she is working
it is working (it "s working) - he/she works (inanimate)
we are working (we"re working) - we are working
they are working (they"re working) - they are working
As can be seen from the conjugation, there are also shortened forms. Moreover, they are preferable.
An interesting feature of verbs ending in -ing is their pronunciation. As a rule, the last letter (g) in the ending is not read, and a deep nasal sound /ŋ/ is produced. For example:
dancing /"da:nsiŋ/
singing /"siŋiŋ/ (especially difficult to pronounce due to the double nasal sound)
reading /"ri:diŋ/
listening /"lisəniŋ/
writing /"raitiŋ/
There are also several spelling rules verbs to which the ending -ing is added:
1. So, for example, to verbs ending in the letter -e, when adding the ending -ing, the letter -e disappears. For example:
change - changing (change - changes)
arrive - arriving (arrive - arrives)
dance - dancing (dance - dances)
2. In monosyllabic verbs ending in one vowel and one consonant, when adding the suffix -ing The consonant is doubled. For example:
swim - swimming (swim - floats)
run - running (run - runs)
sit - sitting (sit - sitting)
3. If the verb ends in a combination of letters -ie, then when adding the ending -ing, this combination is replaced by the letter -y. For example:
lie - lying (to lie - lies)
die - dying (die - dies)
tie - tying (to tie - ties)
There is a category of verbs to which the ending -ing is not added. These verbs are called static verbs. These primarily include verbs of all feelings (for example: like, love, hate, smell, see, hear, etc.), verbs of thought processes (for example: think, know, understand, believe, etc. .), and all modal verbs.
I. As already noted, the Present Continuous tense is closely connected with the present, namely with actions at the moment. For this reason, very often in sentences expressed in the present continuous tense there are marker words: now, at the moment. Let's look at an example:
I am reading a book now. - I'm reading a book now.
They are fishing now. - They are fishing now.
Claude is watching a cartoon at the moment. - Claude is watching a cartoon at the moment.
Looking at the examples, we can conclude that in affirmative sentences in time Present Continuous great importance have subject and transformed predicate, and the circumstance (now, at the moment) and the addition, depending on the context, may be omitted. As a rule, even without the words now or at the moment, the formula to be+Ving in a sentence means that the action is happening right now. Let's look at a few more examples:
The baby's (is) crying. - The child is crying (now, at the moment).
They"re having a party. - They are having a party (now, at the moment).
The dogs are barking. - The dogs are barking (now, at the moment).
She "s playing the violin. - She plays the violin (now, at the moment).
They "re moving furniture. - They move (rearrange) furniture (now, at the moment).
II. Negative sentences in time, the Present Continuous is formed by adding the particle “not” to the verb to be in the appropriate form. Let's look at the example of conjugating the verb talk with personal pronouns:
I am not talking (I"m not talking) - I don’t speak
you are not talking (you aren't talking) - you don't talk / You don't talk
he is not talking (he isn't talking) - he doesn't speak
she is not talking (he isn't talking) - she doesn't speak
it is not talking (it isn't talking) - he/she does not speak (inanimate; may also apply to babies and any animals)
we are not talking (we aren't talking) - we don't talk
they are not talking (they aren't talking) - they don't talk
The examples show that abbreviations are also possible. In most cases they are preferable. Let's look at some proposals:
He isn't watching football, he's reading a magazine. - He doesn't watch football, he reads a magazine.
They aren't eating cookies, they're eating ice-cream. - They don't eat cookies, they eat ice cream.
The baby isn't crying, it is sleeping. - The baby is not crying, he is sleeping.
III. IN interrogative sentences in the Present Continuous tense, the verb to be is brought forward and the following word order is obtained:
To be - Subject - Ving - (Object) - (Adverbial modifier - now, at the moment)?
Let's look at a few examples:
Are you looking at the tower? -Are you looking at the tower?
Is he listening to the radio now? - Is he listening to the radio now?
Are the dogs barking? -Do dogs bark?
Are you laughing? - You're laughing?
Is she writing a letter at the moment? - Is she writing a letter at the moment?
These examples refer to general questions and require short answers: yes or no. And short answers in the Present Continuous repeat the verb to be in the question. For example:
Is he watching a film at the moment? -Yes, he is. -No, he isn't. - Is he watching TV at the moment? - Yes. - No.
Are Jill and Erica arguing now? - Yes, they are. -No, they aren't." - Are Gil and Erica quarreling now? - Yes. - No.
For education special issues In the Present Continuous you need to use a question word (who, what, where, etc.) before the verb to be. For example:
What are you doing now? - What are you doing now?
Where is she going? - Where is she going?
Who are they looking for? - Who are you looking for?
Why are they crying? - Why are they crying?
Thus, we have examined the basic rules of education different types sentences in the present continuous tense, as well as some stylistic and phonetic features of this tense. For practice, it is recommended to construct as many sentences as possible about the actions taking place around you at the moment, and this will be a good language exercise.
Present Continuous Tense (Present Progressive Tense) – present continuous tense. It occurs in speech as often as Present Simple. The main thing you need to know about Present Continuous, – this tense shows the duration of the action in the present. Duration can manifest itself in different ways: the action may not last long, or it may take a long period of time. U Present Continuous There are many functions, so this tense has an important place in English grammar.
How is Present Continuous Tense formed?
Statement
As in any English sentence, the subject will come first and the predicate will come second. Predicate in Present Continuous consists of an auxiliary verb to be and the main verb. To be V Present Continuous changes, so we need to remember its forms: am, is, are. The main verb leaves a particle to and the ending appears - ing.
By general rule we add to the verb - ing. But with some verbs, slight transformations occur with the appearance of this ending, for example:
- e
, the final vowel leaves: com e
– com ing
(come),
mak e – mak ing (do), writ e – writ ing (write). - For verbs ending in - ie , vowels - ie are replaced by - y : l ie –l ying (lie), t ie – t ying (to tie) d ie – d ying (die).
- If a short verb ends with a vowel and a consonant, then that consonant is doubled:
swi m – swi mm ing(swim), sto p – sto pp ing(stop), ge t – ge tt ing(receive).
Negation
A negative sentence differs from an affirmative one only in that a particle appears between the auxiliary verb and the main one not. That is, the predicate looks like this: first to be, after it the particle not and then the main verb.
Question
To ask a question in Present Continuous, we endure to be first, then put the subject and after it the main verb.
For your convenience, we have divided the time functions Present Continuous into 3 groups: entry-level material (green frame), intermediate level (yellow) and high-level (red). If you are just starting to study this topic, then it will be enough for you to know the functions of the green frame, since these are the basic rules for Present Continuous. If you need more advanced grammar, then study the yellow table. And for the most experienced English experts, the rules from the red table are suitable.
Using the Present Continuous
First level
- Present Continuous illustrates an action that is happening now, at the moment of speech. There may be clarifying words here: now(Now), at the moment(At the moment). Also, we can use this tense for two actions that occur simultaneously in the present.
– What is he doing now? – What He doing now?
– No is talking to his friend. – He is talking with a friend. (he is currently standing and talking to a friend)She is eating chocolate ice-cream while I am drinking water. - She eats chocolate ice cream while I I drink water
- Present Continuous used if the action occurs in the present, but not at a specific moment of speech. In this case, we want to show that the action is extended in time: it could have started yesterday or two days ago, but now it continues and will continue for some time. Throughout this long period of time, we periodically perform this action.
I am reading an interesting book. - I I'm reading interesting book. (I started reading it before the speech and will continue to read it for some time, but right now I’m not busy reading)
We are moving into a new house. - We we're moving to a new home. (we started collecting and transporting things, but we are not engaged in this action at the moment of speech)
In this function we can find words such as now(Now), these days(these days, these days), currently(now, now).
This play is currently running at the theatre. – This play coming now in the theatre.
- We want to show that the situation is temporary, that is, we know, suspect or feel that the action will not last long. In such cases, there are words that specify the time period, such as for(during), during(during), until(not yet).
He is staying in New York for three months - He remains in NYC on three months. (in three months his stay will end and he will return home)
He is working as a waiter until he finds a better job. - He works waiter, Bye won't find a better job. (he works temporarily as a waiter)
- We are talking about an action that slowly develops or changes. Such action can be shown by words get(become), change(change), become(become), rise(get up), fall(fall), grow(grow), improve(improve), begin(start off), start(start off).
Your English is getting better. – Your English becomes better. (English didn't get better overnight, but it is gradually improving)
The weather is improving. – Weather is improving. (the weather was bad for a while, but now it's getting better)
When else is the Present Continuous used?
Average level
- When we talk about a planned action that we will perform in the near future. We use Present Continuous only with those actions that you have already firmly decided to perform.
Here you can use the words: this/next week(in this/ next week), this/next weekend(this/next weekend), this/next year(this/next year), tonight(In the evening), today(Today), tomorrow(Tomorrow).
Next week we are buying a new car. – Next week We we buy new car. (we have firmly decided to buy a car, we have already chosen the model and the store where we will buy it)
I am having a business meeting tomorrow. - I have a business meeting Tomorrow. (the meeting has already been scheduled and will definitely take place)
- When we talk about the near future using verbs of motion such as go(go), leave(leave), come(come), move(move), return(come back), start(start off).
I'm tired. I am going to bed. - I'm tired. I I'm coming sleep. (I felt tired, so I decided to go to bed)
This film is too boring. I am leaving. - This movie is too boring, I I'm leaving. (I don’t like the film, so I leave the show without waiting for the end)
- When we want to show dissatisfaction, indignation, irritation. In these cases we use the words always(Always), constantly(constantly), all the time(all the time) to show that the person regularly does something we don't like.
You are always interrupting me! - You constantly me interrupt! (I really don't like this)
He is coming late all the time! - He always late! (the speaker is unhappy with this)
- Present Continuous Tense with state verbs.
Usually the present continuous tense in English is not used with stative verbs ( state verbs or stative verbs). - these are verbs that convey a person’s state: his feelings, relationships, mental processes. These verbs denote actions, but these actions occur inside our consciousness, and we cannot observe how they occur ( to feel- feel, to think- think, to love- be in love, to wish- wish, to need- need). Therefore, we cannot use them in tenses Continuous, since this aspect shows duration.
But still there are several cases when state verbs used with Present Continuous. This happens when a verb has several meanings and one of them shows an action, and also when we want to show that the situation is temporary.
The steak tastes good. – This steak tastes great. (steak is always so delicious)
The chef is tasting the steak. - Cook tries steak tastes. (he's trying it now)
Complex cases of using the Present Continuous
High level
- Present Continuous used when we talk about something new, especially if this new thing is contrasted with something old.
He has left university, now he is working with his friend. - He dropped out of university and now works With my friend.
These days most people are spending time in front of computer screens instead of reading books. - Today most people conducts time on the computer instead of reading books.
- Present Continuous used when we talk about unusual behavior. We want to show that a person is doing something that is not typical for him, that he is not behaving as he always has.
She is eating too much these days. - She's too much eating Last few days. (she never ate so much before)
He is being nervous recently - He became nervous in Lately. (he has always been calm, but recently his behavior has changed)
- Present Continuous found in subordinate clauses time after unions when(When), if(If), unless(not yet) in case(if), as long as(Bye), while(while). In such sentences there is a continuous action, which is in Present Continuous, and unit, which is expressed Present Simple. Typically, these sentences show familiar situations where a single action occurs against the backdrop of a long one.
I try not to make noise in case my daughter is doing her homework. - I try not to make noise when, If my daughter does homework.
I never talk on the phone when I am eating. - I never talk on the phone when I eat.
Present Continuous– one of the most favorite times of the British. As you may have noticed, in English Present Continuous is used in many situations, which means that it appears frequently in speech. In order to better remember how to use Present Continuous, we recommend taking the following test and downloading our plate.
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Using the Present Continuous
It turns out that the British have their own favorite times. Present Continuous tense or Present Continuous tense is one of them. Today we are talking about how the Present Continuous is formed and when it is used.
General information
In Russian you can find sentences of the following type:
- There's no need to rush! The store is still open!
- She is now choosing a new dress.
- They are currently discussing new issues.
As can be seen from the examples, we are talking about long-term actions, about processes that occur at the very moment when they are spoken about. In Russian, this is indicated by words such as “now”, “at the moment”, “yet”. Verbs are used in the present tense. The situation is different in English. To express duration, only adverbs of time are not enough. The main expression of duration in the language of Foggy Albion is the temporary form Present Continuous:
- Don't hurry! The shop is still working!
- Now she is choosing a new dress.
- At this moment they are discussing new questions.
Education
Sentences in English are constructed according to direct word order. The subjects come first, the predicate comes second. Affirmative sentences in the Present Continuous are no exception. Only the predicate is expressed by two verbs: auxiliary to be and the main one with the addition of an ending to its basis - ing. The following table shows how the formula works in practice “subjects + to be + main verb + -ing”:
When adding the ending -ing to the stem of a semantic verb, you must pay attention to the final vowel or consonant:
- if the verb ends with a silent vowel -e, then it is omitted ( to bake - baking, to blame - blaming);
- if the verb ends in -ie, then this combination is replaced with -y ( to die - dying);
- if the verb consists of one syllable and ends in a vowel + consonant, then the final consonant is doubled ( to cut - cutting, to put - putting).
Negative sentences
Negation in English is constructed using the negative particle not (not). In the Present Continuous form, it stands between the auxiliary and main verbs: subjects + to be + not + main verb + -ing.
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Question
A characteristic feature of English interrogative sentences is the reverse word order, when the auxiliary verb comes first. In the Present Continuous, questions are constructed according to the following formula: to be + subjects + main verb + -ing?
Cases of use
The answer to the question of when the Present Continuous is used lies on the surface - in the very name of the time. The word Present indicates that the action is taking place in the present, and Continuous emphasizes the duration of the ongoing event. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Under dark water other nuances of using this tense are hidden:
- To illustrate an action that is happening at the moment of speech. In this case, it is possible to use such time markers as at this moment (at the moment), now (now):
My father is not smoking now. He is speaking to our neighbor - My father doesn’t smoke now. He's talking to our neighbor.
- To describe an action that extends over time: it is happening now and will continue for some time. In order to emphasize this “extension”, the time indicators these days (the other day), currently (now) are used:
My grandmother is currently sewing a new shirt for me - My grandmother is now sewing a new shirt for me (she started sewing even before now and will continue to do this for some time)
- To illustrate temporary situations, events. In these sentences you can find words such as until (not yet), for (during), during (during):
Ann is working as a teacher until she moves to another city - Anna works as a teacher until she moves to another city (her job is not permanent, but temporary).
- To describe events that do not “stand in one place,” they develop and change. As a rule, in these cases the verbs to change (change), to get (become), to begin (begin), to improve (improve), to become (become) are used:
His skills are getting better – His skills are getting better.
- To describe planned actions, as well as events that are expected to happen in the near future:
Tonight they are organizing New Year party - Tonight they are preparing a New Year's party.
The stable expression to be going to (get together) is used to mean the future (We are going to visit a doctor - We are going to visit a doctor).
What have we learned?
The discussed rules and examples of Present Continuous for children explain in detail how this temporary form is formed, when a consonant is doubled and what exceptions there are when adding the ending -ing to the main verb. Complex cases of using time were also explained for beginners.
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Basic table for the formation of the affirmative form of the Present Continuous Tense in English
Let's first take a look at the How is Present Continuous Tense formed?. It belongs to compound tenses, since even in affirmative sentences it consists of an auxiliary and a main verb.
The auxiliary verb for the present continuous tense is verb to be in the present tense, or rather its forms am, is, are. An ending is added to the main verb, which will denote the action being performed. -ing.
Remember!
To form an affirmative sentence in the Present Continuous, use one of the verb forms be (am/is/are) and main verb ending -ing.
It's important to remember that auxiliary verb to be always agrees with the subject, that is, its form am/is/are must correspond to the number and person of the subject. Let's look at the examples in more detail:
- Hey, you are eating my ice-cream(Russian: Hey, are you eating my ice cream): you- subject, are- auxiliary verb (agrees with the subject), eating- main verb (does not agree with the subject, frozen form)
I am reading a book(Russian: I'm reading a book): I- subject, am- auxiliary verb (agrees with the subject), reading .
He is working as a secretary now(Russian. He now works as a secretary): he- subject, is working- main verb (does not agree with the subject, frozen form)
Examples of affirmative sentences in the Present Continuous with translation:
Often used in colloquial speech abbreviated forms of the linking verb to be: I'm, You're, He's/She's/It's etc.
If a sentence contains homogeneous predicates, the linking verb to be is usually omitted, for example:
James and Sally are spending the evening together, watching a new video(Russian: James and Selly spend the evening together, they watch TV).
Rules for adding -ing ending to Present Continuous
Reference table for adding the -ing ending to form the Present Continuous.
During education Present Continuous Tense As a general rule, we add an ending to the verb -ing. However, there are a number of verbs that require a slight transformation when adding such an ending.
Let's consider basic rules for adding -ing ending for the formation of Present Continuous.
Rule #1
If the verb ends in -e, then this final vowel is omitted:
make - making, drive - driving
Rule #2
If a verb consists of 1 syllable and ends with 1 vowel and 1 consonant, then the consonant is doubled:
swim - swimming, stop - stopping
However, there is no need to double the consonant if the verb ends in -w or -x:
sew - sewing, fix - fixing
Rule #3
If a verb consists of two or more syllables and ends with a vowel followed by one consonant, then the consonant is doubled only if the last syllable is stressed:
put-put, regret - regretting
Rule #4
If the verb ends in -ie, That -ie changes to -y:
lie - lying, die - dying
What verbs cannot be used in the Present Continuous
Reference table: verbs that are not used with Continuous tenses
There are a number of verbs in English that cannot be used in the Present Continuous Tense. These verbs include the so-called State/Stative/Non-action Verbs(Russian verbs of state). However, there are exceptions with these verbs.
For example, the following verbs are not used in Continuous tenses because they themselves somehow denote some process:
- other verbs (fit, deserve, matter...)
English verbs related to perception (notice, hear, see, feel...)
verbs that convey emotions (love, hate, like...)
verbs that convey mental processes (know, understand, believe…)
verbs of possession (have, possess, belong...)
verbs of existence (be, exist, consist of...)
Verbs that cannot be used in the Continuous
| Meaning of verbs | Examples of verbs |
|---|---|
| verbs of existing or being | be, consist of, contain, exist |
| verbs of possessing | belong to, have (= own), include, lack, own, possess |
| verbs of feeling or wanting | adore, desire, despise, detest, dislike, envy, hate, like, love, need, pity, prefer, trust, want, wish |
| verbs of thinking or believing | believe, doubt, expect, feel (= think), forget, imagine, intend, know, realize, recognize, remember, see (= understand), suppose, think, understand |
| verbs of appearance | appear, resemble, seem |
| other verbs | concern, depend, deserve, fit, matter, measure, mean, mind, weigh |
For such verbs the tense is used Present Simple instead of Present Continuous. Compare:
- Wrong: Many people are believing in the existence of UFOs(Russians believe only now)
Right: Many people believe in the existence of UFOs(Russian. Many people believe in the existence of UFOs)
Sometimes, however, the same verb can have two meanings, and depending on the meaning, the verb can be used in the Present Continuous tense, for example:
- I’m still considering (= studying) all the pros and cons(Russian: I'm still learning the pros and cons)
I consider (=believe) her to be a very good student(Russian. I believe that she is a very good student)
In some cases, the change in the meaning of verbs is unimportant, and emotional coloring allows the use of a verb in the Continuous form:
Negative and interrogative sentences in the Present Continuous
Basic table for the formation of the affirmative form, negation, simple and special questions in the Present Continuous, short answers
Students learning English often believe that formation of negative and interrogative forms in the Present Continuous occurs more easily than in .
You, of course, remember that when forming negations and questions in the Present Simple, an auxiliary verb is added do or does, and the main verb is used without ending -(e)s. In contrast, the Present Continuous already has an auxiliary verb am/is/are even in the affirmative form, that is, you don’t have to think about which auxiliary verb to use.
This is why in some the Present Continuous is the first tense that students are introduced to.
Formation of the negative form Present Continuous
When forming negative sentences in the Present Progressive, it is important to remember how the auxiliary verb to be forms interrogative and negative forms in the present tense.
After all, it is the forms of the verb to be (am/is/are) are used to form questions and negations. The ending -ing in a semantic verb always remains unchanged.
Remember!
To form negative sentences in the Present Continuous to the auxiliary verb am/is/are a negative particle is added not, and the semantic verb always retains the ending -ing.
In order to make an affirmative sentence negative, you need to add the particle not after the auxiliary verb to be (am/is/are): I am not working(Russian: I don't work), He isn't working(Russian: It doesn't work), My brothers are not working(Russian. My brothers are not working now)
Examples of negative sentences in the Present Continuous
| Example sentences | Translation into Russian |
|---|---|
| I am not listening to you. | I'm not listening to you. |
| She is not watching TV now. | She doesn't watch TV now. |
| We are not talking about it at the moment. | We're not talking about this now. |
| Our guests are not dancing right now. | Our guests are not dancing at the moment. |
| Antonio is not driving to work, he is at home. | Antonio is not going to work now, he is at home. |
| Traffic is not moving because of the accident. | Traffic on the road was stopped due to an accident. |
In conversation, preference is always given to abbreviated forms, unless the speaker wishes to give emotional emphasis to the negative: I am not working = I'm not working, He is not working = He isn't working, They are not working = They aren't working
Questions and answers with the Present Continuous
Word order in interrogative sentences for the Present Continuous is no different from other tenses. Auxiliary am/is/are always comes before the subject, and the semantic verb has an ending -ing after the subject.
Remember!
To ask a general question in the Present Continuous auxiliary verb am/is/are must come before the subject, and the semantic verb always retains the ending -ing.
In special questions, the question word comes first, followed by an auxiliary verb. am/is/are, followed by a subject and a semantic verb with the ending -ing.
Compare:
- Who are you watching it with?(Russian: Who are you watching it with?) special question with a question word Who (with)
Are you watching TV?(Russian: Do you watch TV?): a general question requiring a “yes” or “no” answer
What are you watching?(Russian: What are you watching?): special question with a question word what
What TV program are you watching?(Russian. What television program are you watching?) special question with interrogative phrase What TV program
Examples of interrogative sentences in the Present Continuous
As you can see, nothing complicated in the formation of interrogative and negative forms of Present Continuous cannot be if you know the copula verb conjugation well to be in present time.
Using the Present Continuous
Present Continuous is used to denote actions in the present that are non-permanent and temporary.
Before moving on to specific cases and rules for using the present continuous tense, let's pay attention to marker words that are often used with this particular tense.
Marker words for the Present Continuous the following:
now- Now,
at the moment- in this moment,
at present- currently
these days- during these days
nowadays- today, now, these days
still- still, still
today/tonight- today/tonight
Look!- Look!
Listen!- Listen!
Often marker words are omitted in English, especially if the context is clear to all participants in the conversation. But when translated into Russian, these words, on the contrary, have to be added or used an imperfect form of the verb to show that the action is happening now.
Present Continuous for the present
So, in what cases do we use Present Continuous Tense for the present tense? Let's look at the list below:
1. First of all, the Present Continuous is used to express action, happening now, at the moment (at the moment of speech):
2. We also use the Present Continuous when we are talking about an action that lasts not at a specific moment, but “around it”; it is, as it were, extended in time, i.e. action in progress. Perhaps it started yesterday or last week, continues in the present and will continue for some period of time during which we perform this action from time to time:
3. For a temporary effect that lasts certain limited period of time and we usually indicate it:
4. Present Continuous is also used for action indicating a long, constantly changing process. IN in this case verbs are used very often get- become, change- change, improve- improve, grow- grow, start- begin, rise- grow, etc.:
5. We know that “always” is a marker. However, it is important to mention that if we exaggerate the situation and express a note of indignation, indignation, irritation, then we use the Present Continuous with “always” to show that we do not like it:
Present Progressive is used for an action that indicates unusual, unusual human behavior, i.e. if we want to show that a person is doing something that is usually unusual for him. In this case we very often use the verb to be also in a long time:
To summarize: Present Continuous describes an action in progress at the moment of speech or characteristic of the present tense. The action can continue after, but it can also end at any moment, that is, it is temporary.
Present Continuous for the future
As mentioned earlier, the present continuous tense serves many functions, including we can use Present Continuous to express the future.
So, for example, we use it when we talk about plans, agreements that we definitely decided to implement in the near future
Examples of Present Continuous to indicate the future
As you noticed, in Russian we also use the present tense to show that an action in the future is predetermined and will definitely take place.
Present Continuous example sentences with translation
So, now we know when and in what cases it is necessary to use the Present Continuous tense. To make it easier to digest this information, let's look at a few more examples of sentences in the present continuous tense.
Use of Present Continuous Tense: examples with translation and meaning
| Sentence in English | Translation into Russian | Meaning of Present Continuous |
|---|---|---|
| I’m reading an interesting article right now. | I'm reading an interesting article now. | action at the moment of speech |
| They are always breaking their promises. | They always break their promises. | irritation with “always” |
| She is meeting a dentist tomorrow morning. | She is seeing the dentist tomorrow morning. | precise plans, agreements |
| Our team is working so hard this week. | Our team is working very hard this week. | an action that lasts for a limited period of time |
| Our world is changing. | The world is changing. | long, constantly changing process |
| What's happened? You are being so nervous today! | What's happened? You're so nervous today! | unusual human behavior |
Pay attention to one more example: I would like to remind you about stative verbs - verbs that are not used in the Continuous tense group:
Now we understand every word(Russian. Now we understand your every word): action at the moment of speech, but the verb understand is not used in the Continuous, therefore it is used in the Present Simple.
Present Continuous and other English tenses
There are 12 tenses in English: 4 for present actions, 4 for past and 4 for future. And they all have their own characteristics.
- Present (present)
- Past
- Future (future).
But each of them has 4 forms:
- Simple
- Continuous
- Perfect
- Perfect Continuous
It is thanks to this detailed system that tenses in English describe each situation in more detail and allow the interlocutor to understand more information about each event. Knowing the differences between tenses and being able to use tenses in English correctly, you will be able to bring your speech closer to native speakers.
So, speaking about the Present Continuous, the question often arises: what is its difference from other present tenses. Let's figure this out.
Present Simple and Present Continuous
Comparative table of education of Present Simple and Present Continuous.
The most frequently asked question is about the differences and correct use Present Simple and Present Continuous. The basic rule is the following:
- Present Continuous describes temporary, impermanent events that are happening now, at the time of conversation.
Describes actions that occur usually or are an immutable truth, that is, they are permanent.
We hope that our table will help you systematize your knowledge about the simple present and present continuous tenses and once and for all figure out when to use each of these tenses.
Comparative table of the use of Present Simple and Present Continuous
| Present Simple | Present Continuous |
|---|---|
| regular actions, daily routine, habits - regular action: - does this every day: marker words Present Simple: |
the action occurs at the moment of speech (right now): - action at the moment of speech: -right now: marker words Present Continuous: |
| permanent states and actions: From the context it is clear that this is an ordinary, habitual action or state. -permanent place of work: -Always: |
temporary state and actions: The action is limited to a certain period of time, it occurs only now (during this period), and usually not everything is wrong. -temporarily: -not always: marker words indicating temporary action: |
| Fine known facts, laws of nature, scientific facts: -true: -fact: |
changing actions, actions in progress: -changing action: -process: |
| an action that always happens regularly, using always: My girlfriend always talks on the phone in the evenings. Jim always complains about his colleagues. |
to express emphasis, exaggeration and slight indignation, using always: My girlfriend is always talking on the phone! Jim is always complaining about his colleagues. |
| schedule of transport, days, concerts: -schedule: |
Plans and agreements for the future: -plans: |
Present Continuous and Present Perfect Continuous
Not everything is simple with these times either, although they are somewhat consonant in their names. But the word Perfect already says that the action began in the past, lasted for some period and has a result in the present.
Unlike the Simple Continuous, in the Present Perfect Continuous it is important not that the action is temporary and reflects the current process, but the process of performing it in the past and, as a consequence, its result in the present.
Compare:
- I've been trying to open the door. Bit it is still locked(Russian: I tried to open the door, but it is still closed): I tried in the recent past, I may still try, but I have a negative result, I’ve been trying -Present Perfect Continuous.
Wait, I'm trying to open the door(Russian: Wait, I'm trying to open the door): I'm trying now, in the process of opening the lock, I'm trying - Present Continuous.
Comparative table of the use of Present Continuous and Present Perfect Continuous
| Present Continuous | Present Perfect Continuous |
|---|---|
| The action takes place in the present - the connection is only with it, there is no connection with the past and there is no indication of how long the action lasts: | The action began in the past and continues to this day - a connection between the past and the present, perhaps an indication of how long the action lasts: |
| Hurry up! We're waiting for you. (Russian: Hurry up! We are waiting for you. = We are waiting right now) |
We've been waiting for 2 hours. (Russian: We have been waiting for 2 hours already. = we started waiting for 2 hours and are still waiting) |
| Don't disturb her! She is learning English. (Russian. Don’t bother her. She’s studying English. = she’s studying right now) |
She speaks English pretty nice. She has been learning English for 2 years. (Russian. She speaks English quite well. She has been studying English for 2 years. = for 2 years already) |
Instead of a conclusion
So we've sorted it out Present Continuous time- present continuous tense. During the lessons, you can reinforce all the rules that you just read about in communication with the teacher.
And to consolidate the acquired knowledge now, we suggest you perform several exercises.
Present Continuous exercises
Everyone knows that any new theoretical knowledge requires consolidation in practice. Below are several exercises on the Present Continuous, as well as comparisons between the Present Continuous and the Present Simple and the Present Continuous with the Present Perfect Continuous, so be careful when doing them. :)
Exercise 1: Open the brackets using Present Simple or Present Continuous:
- She (to try) to lose weight, I (to think). She always (to have) light lunches.
Her brother (not to read) a book at the moment. He (to sleep) because he (to be) exhausted.
Lisa (not to cook) dinner at the moment. She (to talk) to a friend.
I (not to play) games now. I (to do) my English homework.
He (not to drink) tea in the evenings. He (to drink) tea in the mornings.
Look! The baby (to sleep). The baby always (to sleep) after dinner.
I usually (to go) to work at seven o"clock every morning.
Who (to make) lunch for your children now?
You (to read) a magazine and (to think) about your holiday at the moment?
They (to be) good singers but they (not to go) to karaoke bars very often.
What do you (to talk) about right now?
You (to keep) to any special diet? - Well, I (not to think) it (to be) good to eat a lot of meat. I usually (to have) meat only once a week. I (to eat) lots of fruit and vegetables.
He (to learn) English now because he (to want) to get a better job.
Listen to those people! You (to understand) what language they (to speak)?
Your English (to get) better? - Yes, I (to think) so.
Exercise 2: Open the brackets using Present Continuous or Present Perfect Continuous:
- Sarah is very tired. She_ __ (work) very hard recently.
Linda_ __ (learn) German for four years.
Hello Bill. I_ __ (look) for you all morning. Where have you been?
Why_ __ (you/look) at me like that? Stop it!
Julia is a doctor. She_ ____ (work) in this hospital for three years.
I_ ____ (think) about what you said and I"ve decided to take your advice.
"Is Melissa on holiday this week?" "No, she_ ____ (work).
Exercise 3: Translate into English:
- Here we go again! She always sings in her soul!
We go to Italy every summer.
What do you do on the weekends?
Let's stay at home - it's raining outside.
You always talk about your problems! I'm tired of this!
I think they are wrong.
Can you speak louder? I can not hear you!
You don't look very good. How do you feel?
What are you doing? – I'm thinking about our trip to Greece.
Where are you going? - I need to go to the bank.
I'm going to the store, do you want anything?
Do you like it there? – Yes, I have a great time with my friends.
This dress doesn't fit my size.
I don't like autumn! It rains constantly and the days get shorter and shorter.
The book consists of five chapters. I'm reading the third one now.
Looks like it's starting to rain...
Do you see this? This is incredible, I can't believe my eyes!
Lisa is very tired. She's working so hard this week.
The weather is great! The sun is shining brightly and the birds are singing in the trees. We need to go outside now.
Here it is so beautiful! I love walking through this park! I feel so happy!
In contact with
When we talk on the phone, we are often asked “What are you doing now?”, and we usually answer, for example, “I am chilling / drinking coffee / cooking / reading a book.” In the answer we use “Present Continuous” or “present continuous tense”.
This tense helps to describe the action that is taking place at the moment of speech being spoken. This is our first rule for using “Present Progressive Tense”. But let's find out more, shall we?
Using the Present Continuous Tense
So, we use “Present Continuous” in the following cases:
- when we talk about an action that is happening (or not happening) right now, at the moment of speech. Marker words can be used here: “ now" (Now), " at the moment" (At the moment). Also, we can use this tense for two actions that occur simultaneously in the present.
She"s drinking tea now.- She is drinking tea now.
He"s not playing computer games now because he"s sleeping.- He's not playing now. computer games because he is sleeping.
- when the action occurs in the present, but not at a specific moment of speech.
Something is happening around now. In this case " now" matters not only this second, but also today, as well as this week, this month or even this year.
I am reading an interesting book.- I’m reading an interesting book (I started reading it before the moment of the speech and will continue to read it for some time, but right now I’m not busy reading).
I usually drink tea, but today I’m drinking coffee. - I usually drink tea, but today I drink coffee.
- when we talk about an action that develops and changes. Such action may be indicated by the words “ change"(change), " get/become"(become), " rise" (get up), " fall" (fall), " grow"(grow), " improve"(to improve), " begin/start"(begin).
Your English is getting better.- Your English is getting better.
Our country is developing.- Our country is developing.
- when we talk about the near future, planned actions and plans. We use “Present Continuous” only with those actions that we have already firmly decided to perform. Marker words: " this/next week"(this/next week), " this/next weekend"(this/next weekend), " this/next year"(this/next year), " tonight" (In the evening), " today" (Today), " tomorrow"(Tomorrow).
I am having a lesson tomorrow at 4.10 p.m.- I have a lesson tomorrow at 16:00 (I have already planned the action and know all the details).
We are going to the theater next Monday.- We are going to the theater next Monday (we know the name of the play, which theater, time, bought tickets, etc.).
- when we want to show dissatisfaction, indignation, irritation. In these cases we use the words always(Always), constantly(constantly), all the time(all the time), forever(forever) to show that a person regularly does something that we don’t like and that it annoys us.
They are always complaining.- They always complain.
He's constantly biting his nails.- He constantly bites his nails.
As you may have noticed, the form of "Present Continuous Tense" is as follows:
- Affirmative: Subject + verb "to be" + V-ing
- Interrogative: Verb "to be" + subject + V-ing ?
- Negative: No + subject + verb "to be" + not + V-ing
Nota Bene: different subjects have different shapes verb “to be”: “I am", “he/she/it is", "you/we/they are».
Present Continuous Forms
Let's look at all forms of “Present Progressive Tense” using the example of the verb “work” - to work.
| Affirmative | Negative | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| I am working now. | I am not working now. | Am I working now? |
| You are working now. | You are not working now. | Are you working now? |
| He is working now. | He is not working now. | Is he working now? |
| She is working now. | She is not working now. | Is she working now? |
| It is working now. | It is not working now. | Is it working now? |
| We are working now. | We are not working now. | Are we working now? |
| They are working now. | They are not working now. | Are they working now? |
The main verb or semantic verb in "Present Continuous" has the ending "- ing" Usually we just need to add this ending to the verb, but as always there are exceptions.
Also, do not forget about “insidious verbs” ( state verbs), which are not used in Present Continuous Tense. They can be divided into 6 groups:
- Senses and perception: to feel, to hear, to see, to smell, to taste.
- Opinion: to assume, to believe, to consider, to doubt, to feel (= to think), to find (= to consider), to suppose, to think.
- Emotions and desires: to envy, to fear, to dislike, to hate, to hope, to like, to love, to mind, to prefer, to regret, to want, to wish.
- Mental states: to forget, to imagine, to know, to mean, to notice, to recognize, to remember, to understand.
- Measurement: to contain, to cost, to hold, to measure, to weigh.
- Others: to look (= resemble), to seem, to be (in most cases), to have (= to possess).
But as always, there are several cases where state verbs are used with "Present Continuous". This happens when a verb has several meanings and one of them shows an action, and also when we want to show that the situation is temporary.
The steak tastes good.- This steak tastes great (steak always tastes so good).
The chef is tasting the steak.- The cook tastes the steak (he is tasting it now).
Conclusion
So, we have looked at the main features of using “Present Continuous”. It is used quite often in situations, for example, when we talk about the present, the future, our plans, and temporary events.
We hope that the article will help you understand all the nuances. Don't stop evolving!
We invite you to familiarize yourself with other tenses of the English language
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