Present Continuous

We often use the present continuous tense  in English. It is very different f rom thesimple present tense, both in structure and  in use.

Use

We use the present continuous:

To talk about things that are happening now, at the moment we speak.

A: What are you doing?

B: I´m writing an e-mail.

We´re leaving now. Goodbye.

The bus is coming.

To talk about things that are happening now, but not exactly at the moment we speak.

My brother is looking for a job at the moment.

You are spending a lot of money these days.

To talk about something we have already arranged or planned to do in the future. 
We often give the future time (tomorrow, in July, on Saturday, this afternoon, next week, etc…)

A: What are you doing on Saturday morning?

B: I´m meeting a friend.

We´re visiting our grandparents next weekend.

My sister is starting a new job next Monday.

N.B: Some verbs are not used in the present continuous. They are normally used in the simple forms. Some of the most important ones are:

.

like / know / love / hate / understand / believe / mean / remember / want / prefer

I am liking tennis > I like tennis.

Are you knowing Maria? > Do you know Maria?

Form

subject + auxiliary verb (be)  + main verb +  ing 

    

Examples: 

•  You are learning English now. 

•  You are not swimming now. 

•  Are you sleeping? 

•  I am sitting. 

•  I am not standing. 

•  Ishe sitting or standing? 

•  They are reading their books. 

•  They are not watching television. 

•  What are you doing? 

•  Why aren't you doing your homework? 

Simple present and Present Continuous

Here are some differences in how we use the simple present and the present continuous:

Time Expressions we use with the Present Continuous

With the present continuous we use these time expressions:

(Notice that the time expression can come at the start or at the end of the sentence.)

At the moment: ‘I’m watching TV, at the moment.’

These days: ‘Paul’s living in Cardiff, these days.’

Now: ‘What are you doing, now?’

Nowadays: ‘I think you are smoking too much, nowadays.’

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