FORM

person + gerund (verb with -ing ending) + the rest of the sentence

• I am looking through the window.

• Is she talking to you?

• They are standing right next to you.

 

USE

1. Now

Use the Present Continuous with Normal Verbs to express the idea that something is happening now, at this very moment. It can also be used to show that something is not happening now.

• I am walking to school now.

• She is sitting on her chair now.

• Are you eating or talking?

2. Longer Actions in Progress Now

In English, "now" can mean: this second, today, this month, this year, this century, and so on. Sometimes, we use the Present Continuous to say that we are in the process of doing a longer action which is in progress; however, we might not be doing it at this exact second.

• I am writing my essay.

• Isn't she training the group for the competition now?

3. Near Future

Sometimes, speakers use the Present Continuous to indicate that something will or will not happen in the near future.

• I am going to the library after school.

• They are meeting their grandmother tonight.

4. Repetition or irritation with "Always"

The Present Continuous with words such as "always" or "constantly" expresses the idea that something irritating or shocking often happens. Notice that the meaning is like Present Simple, but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words "always" or "constantly" between "be" and "verb+ing."

• She is always putting her legs on the table.

• You are always being late on our meetings..

5. Active/Passive Voice

• She is reading a book at the moment. ACTIVE

• The book is being read by her at the moment. PASSIVE

 

More exercises on the Present Continuous can be found in our forum and on the www.aling.pl!