[Introduction]     [Present Simple]     [Present Perfect]     [Present Continuous]     [Present Perfect Continuous]

[Past Simple]     [Past Perfect]     [Past Continuous]     [Past Perfect Continuous]     [Future Simple Tense]     [Stative Verbs]

The Present Continuous Tense

  Time & Mode

The verb in the present continuous tense indicates that the action is taking place at the moment of speaking or at the present time.

I am studying English now

He

She

It

 

 is playing music now

you

We

They

 are reading the lesson now

 It may also refer to future plans and arrangements.

I am seeing my doctor tomorrow

He

She

It

 

 is travelling to London tomorrow

you

We

They

 are having a meeting tomorrow

 

  Form

I am verb + ing      Words often used with the tense

He

She

It

 is verb + ing  

now, right now, at this moment, nowadays, at present, today, these days, still.

Look!  Listen!   Look out!  Watch out! 

tomorrow,

next week, next....

you

We

They

 are verb + ing  

  Use

The present continuous tense is used:

1. To indicate an action which is in progress at the moment of speaking - now.

           a- W                   

           b-

      

2. To describe a temporary state or situation. (The activity is usually of limited duration but is still unfinished.)

           a- W

           b-

 

Sometimes the use of the proper tense depends on whether we see the situation as permanent or temporary. (If we see the situation as permanent, we use the simple present tense; whereas if we see it as temporary, we use the present continuous tense.)

            a- W

           b-

3. To indicate future events which have already been arranged.

           a- W

           b-

4. With adverbs like 'always' or 'constantly' 'forever' to express criticism and/or irritation (anger, annoyance, impatience, etc.):

           a- T           

           b- S

Susan and Sarah are roommates. Sarah is troubled with Susans behaviour. She is expressing her annoyance to her friend, Dana.

Read the following dialogue - ( Syria book-19)

Sarah: I really don't know if I can stand to have Susan for a roommate one more day.

Dana: What's the matter?

Sarah: She's driving me crazy.

Dana: Oh? What's wrong?

Sarah: Well, for one thing she's always

Dana:

Sarah:

Dana:

4.
5.

       

  
 
 
 
 

 

Notes:

 

If you don't know the meaning of some words, click on the dictionary icon.

 

Adding the -ing:

When the verb ends in: -e we leave it off, and add the -ing.

smile   + ing = smiling

write    + ing = writing

smoke + ing = smoking

When the verb ends in -ie, we change them into -y.

lie  + ing   = lying

die + ing  = dying

tie  + ing  = tying

 

 

A state is something that stays the same.

An action is something that happens.

Stative verbs are often simple. They cannot be continuous unless they indicate actions.

 

Imperative sentences usually do not have a subject.

Some verbs cannot be used  as  imperative. For example: "hear", instead we use "listen".

 

 

 

[Introduction]     [Present Simple]     [Present Perfect]     [Present Continuous]     [Present Perfect Continuous]

[Past Simple]     [Past Perfect]     [Past Continuous]     [Past Perfect Continuous]     [Future Simple Tense]     [Stative Verbs]