Definition of present continuous. Present Continuous - Present continuous tense in English. Common questions in Present Continuous
Present continuous - this is the present for a long time english language, its main meaning is a long-term action taking place at the moment.
Present Continuous - all the most important
This image provides the most basic information about Present Continuous. Read more below.
Present Continuous education scheme: rules and examples
Let's consider how a long present tense is formed in an affirmative, negative and interrogative sentence.
1. Present Continuous in the affirmative: I am talking
In the affirmative form, Present Continuous is formed using a verb and a verb ending – ing , and only the verb is changed to be... Examples are given in the table:
Examples:
Are you talking to me? - Are you talking to me?
Is this device working properly? - Is this device working correctly?
Present Continuous Meaning: When is a long idle time used?
Present Continuous is used in the following cases.
- Long-term action takes place now, that is, at the moment of speech.
Sample sentences:
I am going to a swimming pool. - I'm going to the pool (going now).
I am working... - I'm working (at the moment).
Compare how the meaning will change if the verb is in:
I go to a swimming pool. - I go to the pool (in general, regularly, and not at the moment).
I work... - I'm working (not at the moment).
- Long-term action takes place in the present time period.
That is, not literally now (that is, at this second), but in a broader sense, for example, during this day, this month.
I am reading the book "War and Peace" . – I am reading the book "War and Peace" (not at the moment, the book is in the process of reading).
He is writing a new song. - He's writing a new song (not right now, but at some real time).
- To express an action that will take place in the near future.
That is, to express the intention to take this action or the confidence that it will most likely happen.
You are going with me - you go with me (meaning: you go with me).
I am leaving the town in 24 hours - I leave the city in 24 hours (leave).
- A repetitive action with a negative connotation.
This case is rarely mentioned in educational literature, but it should be mentioned because it is typical for colloquial speech. Present Continuous with words like always, constantly (meaning “constantly”, “all the time”) expresses some unpleasant, annoying action that occurs regularly.
He is constantly talking... I hate it. - He talks constantly. I hate it.
I don’t like them because they are always complaining... - I don't like them because they constantly complain.
In essence, the meaning is obtained as y - a repeated regular action, but here we are talking about an annoying, unpleasant action.
Verbs that are not used in Present Continuous
Some verbs expressing perception, feelings, emotional condition, are not used (as a rule) in Continuous times, because they cannot express long-term action. These include verbs.
Present translates as "present" and tells us that the action is taking place at the moment. Continuous is translated as "long-term / continuous" and says that the action began some time ago and still lasts.
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 shows simply the fact of an action without a process. Let's take a look at some 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 the same, n but in English they express completely different meanings:
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 usePresent Continuous.
Use of Present Continuous Tense
Simple extended tense is used in several cases.
1. When we talk about an action that is happening now (at the moment).
That is, the action started some time ago and now it is still going on (is in the process).
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 taking place at the present time, 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 with the auxiliary verb to be in the present tense (am, are, is) and the ending -ing, which is added to the verb denoting an action.
The person in question + am / are / is + verb + -ing.
| I | am | |
| You | ||
| We | are | playing |
| They | swimming | |
| She | cooking | |
| He | is | |
| It |
for instance
They are watch ing TV.
They watch TV.
I am drink ing tea.
I'm drinking tea.
He is smok ing now.
He smokes now.
Rules for adding the ending -ing
There are several peculiarities when adding the ending -ing to verbs.
- If the verb ends in -e, then the letter e we remove and add to the verb -ing:
danc e - danc 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 - prohibit.
Exceptions: Verbs ending in -xand - w:
mi x - mi xing - to mix;
flo w - flo wing - to flow.
- If the verb ends in -ie,then we replace this ending with -y:
l ie - l ying - lie down;
t ie - t ying - to bind.
Time words
The following words can help us determine that it is Present Continuous in front of us:
- now - now;
- at the moment - at the moment.
Let's take a look at some 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's on hiatus at the moment.
Verbs not used in Present Continuous Tense
Some English verbs are never used in this tense.
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 feel the smell,
- feel - to feel, etc.
2. Verbs expressing mental state
- forget - to forget,
- know - to know
- understand - to understand, etc.
3. Verbs expressing emotions and desires
- love - to love,
- want - to want,
- like - to like, etc.
4. Verbs expressing ownership of something
- have - to have,
- possess - to possess, etc.
Why aren't these verbs used in Present Continuous?
As we have already discussed, this time is used to emphasize that the action is in the process: we started doing this some time ago, we are doing it now, but after a while we will finish doing it.
To be used in our long tense, the verb must be able to last. For example: to cook - you started to cook, cook now, finish after a while.
Returning to our exception verbs. We cannot start smelling or hearing and then finish the process over time. This is what we do all the time. We talk about smelling and hearing. In the same way, forgetting, understanding or emotions cannot be processes, because otherwise it will turn out that these processes began once, now continue and someday will end.
Negative form in Present Continuous Tense
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 of
We are not do ing our homework now.
We don't homework now.
She is not driv ing at the moment.
She's 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
In order to ask if someone is doing something right now, we put the verb to be in the first place.
Am / are / is + the person 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 are swimming in the pool.
She is clean ing her room now.
She is cleaning the room now.
The question and the affirmative answer (our "yes") will look like this:
| Question | Short answer (contains the verb to be) | Complete answer (built as an affirmative sentence) |
| Am I read ing the book? I am reading a book? |
Yes, I am. |
Yes, I am read ing the book. Yes, I am reading a book. |
| Are you swimm ing in a pool? Are you swimming in the pool? |
Yes, you are. |
Yes, you are swimm ing in a pool. |
| Isshe clean ing her room now? Is she cleaning the room now? |
Yes, she is. |
Yes, she is clean ing her room now. Yes, she is cleaning the room now. |
Negative answers (our "no") will look like this:
| Question | Short answer (contains the verb to be + not) | Complete answer (built as a negative sentence) |
| Am I read ing the book? I am reading a book? |
No, I amnot. |
No, I am not read ing the book. No, I am not reading a book. |
| Are you swimm ing in a pool? Are you swimming in the pool? |
No, you arenot. |
No, you are not swimm ing in a pool. No, you don't swim in the pool. |
| Isshe clean ing her room now? Is she cleaning the room now? |
No, she isnot. |
No, she is notclean ing her room now. No, she's not cleaning the room now. |
Examples of
Are they playing tennis?
They are playing tennis?
Yes, they are.
Yes, they are playing.
Are they playing tennis?
They are playing tennis?
No, they are not.
No, they don't play.
Ishe sleepingnow?
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 - what;
- why - why.
These words are put on the first place in the sentence, and the further word order will be the same as in the usual question. The scheme is as follows:
Question word + am / are / is + the one in question + verb + -ing?
| am | I | ||
| you | |||
| What | are | they | reading? |
| Where | we | playing? | |
| Why | she | cooking? Assignment taskNow for some practice. Translate the following sentences into English. Be careful, among them there are hidden sentences that relate to Present Simple. 1. She is on the plane at the moment. As always, leave your answers in the comments below the article. |
For a long time. Forms sentences with the help of the auxiliary verb to be (in English it is translated as "to be") in the form of the present tense and the fourth form of the main semantic verb (with the suffix -ing characteristic for a long time).
Consider the use of the present continuouse. Sample sentences:
You are having dinner. - You're having dinner (right now).
I am waiting for you. - I'm waiting for you.
They are traveling in the west. “They travel west.
She is writing a letter right know. - She's writing a letter right now.
We are speaking English now. - We speak English now.
They are reading this boring book now. - They are reading this boring book now.
For reference:
- in colloquial English, "dinner" means dinner, and "supper" means a late dinner in a homely family setting.
Formation of question and denial
When an interrogative sentence is formed in the present long time, the words in it change places. As with any other case of English.
The verb to be moves to the first place - before the subject (pronoun, noun, or proper noun) in sentences with the present continuous. Sample sentences:
Is she reading this boring book now? - Is she reading this boring book now?
Are we speaking English right now? - Do we speak English right now?
Is she writing the letter now? "Is she writing this letter right now?"
When a negative sentence is formed, not is added between the form of the auxiliary and the semantic verb, along with the semantic verb in the present continuous. Sample sentences:
He is not writing. - He does not write.
I am not speaking. - I do not speak.
We are not waiting. - We're not waiting.
They are not studing. - They don't study.
She is not asking. - She doesn't ask.
However, such complete forms of denial are rarely used. In spoken language, abbreviations are used: isn "t in the singular or aren" t in the plural.
Important rules when using this time
Using Present continuous. Usage rules:
1. The specified time is used to express a specific action taking place at the present moment or period, that is, right now. This is precisely what the temporary additions to the sentences indicate:
now - now;
at the moment - at this (this) moment.
But these words are not always present in the sentence. They can only be implied.
He is reading his diploma. - He reads his diploma (that is, right now).
2. It is usually not used with verbs denoting the state of the object, and not its action:
to want - to want;
to feel - to feel;
to love - to love;
to think - to think;
to like - to like, to love;
to be - to be;
to live - live;
to hate - to hate;
to stay - to stay;
to hear - to hear;
to remember - remember;
to see - to see some other English verbs.
But sometimes the indicated state verbs are still used to emphasize the temporal state in the present continuous. Sample sentences:
I know I am being a baby but I can "t help it. - I know that I am like a child, but I can’t help it (that is, I’m acting like a child just now).
She is wanting to stay at this house and I can "t help it. - She wants to stay in this house and I can’t help (that is, she only wants to stay now).
3. When an intention to perform an action is conveyed in a sentence, the present continuous is sometimes used to indicate the future tense. Sample sentences:
We are going to the cinema tonight. “We're going to go to the cinema tonight.
She is leaving by seven-o "clock train.” She leaves by seven o'clock train.
Present Perfect Continuous Forms
Or, as it is also called, progressive in English are a kind of derivatives from the present extended tense.
You can get it using the verb to be (to be) in the form of a present perfect tense (have been or has been in the 3rd person singular) and an auxiliary verb in a continuous tense (with the ending -ing).
Present perfect continuous - example sentences:
1) It is used to indicate an action that began in the past at a certain point in time, continued for some time and continues at the present moment:
I have been walking since 8 o "clock in the morning. - I have been walking since 8 in the morning.
He has been living in Moscow for six year. - He has been living in Moscow for six years.
2) The usual and constantly occurring action with an indication of the time period for the continuation of the action. Moreover, if it is not specified how long (time period) the action lasts, then the present continuous time is used.
It has been raining for three days. - It's been raining for two days.
It has raining. - It's raining.
He has been studing English for seven years. - He has been studying English for seven years.
He is studing English. - He is studying English (that is, right now).
3) The constructions of the present perfect long time are used also to indicate the duration of action. At the same time, if the fact of the perfection of the action is indicated, then another time is used - the present perfect.
I have been living here since 1956. - I have been living here since 1956 (that is, all this time I have been living here).
I have lived here since 1956. - I have lived here since 1956 (that is, an episode of the action that has already happened is underlined).
4) The present perfect long tense, as well as the present long tense, is not used with English verbs denoting the state of an object, and not its action. That is, the verbs - to love - to love, to feel - to feel, and others like them mentioned above (present continuous rules).
5) This time is also used in interrogative sentences to indicate the period that precedes the moment of speech ( this moment time). In this case, the use of the appropriate interrogative words and constructions is typical - how long - how long, how long; since when - since what time, since when.
How long have they been living here? - How long (how long) do they live here?
Since when has she been sitting there? - Since when (since when) has she been sitting there?
Present continuous passive
The form of the passive voice of the present extended tense shows the action in its development, that is, how it continues. This construction is formed as follows:
- the verb to be (am, is, are) + being (that is, indicating an extended tense) + the second form of the semantic verb.
Let's take a look at present continuous passive, example sentences:
New railway stations are being built. - New railway stations are being built (that is, they are being built right now).
Delicious supper is being cooked. - A delicious dinner is being prepared now.
If the present tense in such a voice changes to the past, then in sentences, since there is no indication of the time frame, only the form of the verb to be changes. It is put in the past tense was - in the singular and were - in the plural.
II. Test sentences for translation
III. Additional grammar material
Types of interrogative sentences
1. General question - to the whole sentence, has the reverse word order, that is, the predicate (an auxiliary verb, if required) comes before the subject.
Are you a student?
Do you love her?
Pronounced in a rising tone.
2. Alternative question (with union or -or) is built on the basis of the general, repeating it before or,and then orthere is an alternative with a downward tone:
Are you a pupil or a student?
3. Special issues to the minor members of the sentence - they are built on the basis of the general, before the verb (auxiliary, if any) an interrogative word is put (what, when, where, why, how many, how muchetc.). Pronounced in a descending tone.
Where do you live?
What are you doing?
4. Question to the subject - is built on the basis of an affirmative sentence, but in it the subject is replaced by a question word (who, what):
Who is a student?
Who are students?
What is beautiful?
5. The dividing question (with ponytail) consists of 2 parts. Its first part is an affirmative or negative sentence, its second part consists of an auxiliary verb in the opposite form of the main sentence and a subject expressed by a pronoun. Ponytail intonation is ascending or descending.
Pete lives in Sumy, doesn’t he?
Questions like:
What is he?
What are you?
Who is he?
Who are you?
When we are interested in a name, we ask the question: Who are you?and we get the answer: I am Pete Brown.
When we are interested in the occupation of the interlocutor, we ask: What are you?and find out: I am a student.
GLOSSARY FOR LESSON 2
a flat - – apartment
can - – be able to be able
may - – be able, be able
to help - – to help
to come in - – enter
to cook dinner - – to cook dinner
to try - – try, try
to learn - – to study)
heart - – heart
to learn by heart - – learn by heart
to lay (on) - – put
to lay the table - – set the table
to listen to -["lisn tu] - listen
library -["laɪbr (ə) rɪ] - library
early -["ɜːlɪ] - early
to wash - – wash)
to wash up - – wash the dishes
such - [sʌʧ] - such
weather -["weðə] - weather
rain - – rain
rainy -["reini] - rainy
to go to bed - – go to bed
to be tired - – to be tired
still - – still
to sleep - – sleep
to think -[θɪŋk] - think
to talk (to, with) - – talk with)
to watch TV - – watch TV
radio -["reidiou] - radio
some - [sʌm] - some
too - – too
much - – many (for uncountable nouns)
We continue to study the times. Present Continuous is the simplest tense of all time in the English language.
Important for beginners!
Don't burden yourself with a list of 40 verbs, which are not used in the continius present. Why, about this at the end of the article.
So, in simple terms:
- rules for using Present Continuous,
- how to say an ordinary sentence at this time,
- how to ask a question,
- sentences with negation - "He does not do, does not sleep, etc.",
- videos from native speakers about Present Continuous,
Present Continuous - education
be + verb + ing
I'm driving. I'm going / now /.
He is sleeping. He's sleeping.
She is working. She works.
You are drinking. You drink. Do you drink.
We are eating. We are eating.
They are sitting. They are sitting.
Negative Sentences in Present Continuous
Before the verb in the - ing-th form, a particle is added - not.
I’m not sleeping. I am not sleeping.
He is not working. He does not work.
She is not driving. She's not driving now.
You are not playing. You are not playing.
We are not walking. We don't go.
They are not reading. They do not read.
Interrogative sentences in Present Continuous
be + verb + ing
Am I working? I work?
Is he driving? He is driving?
Is she smoking? Does she smoke now.
Are you listening? You listen?
Are they cooking? They are cooking?
Are we speaking? We are talking?
Answer options for the question
Yes, I am. No, I’m not. Yes I'm working. No, I smoke.
When Present Simple is used - 5 cases
Beginners learn English, for a start, it is enough to remember the very first basic rule.
All other four, you will not use anywhere yet.
1. We speak in Present Continuous when we are doing an action right now.
A friend calls you and asks: What are you doing? What are you doing? now.
Your response:
I'm watching Youtube videos. Watching videos on YouTube.
I’m eating now. I'm eating now.
I'm driving. I'm going.
I'm not stadying. I don't teach.
2. Actions that have been going on for a while.
Indicator words: still, only.
I signed up for belly dancing.
A friend asks me: Are you still practicing dancing?
"Do you still go dancing?"
My answer: Yes, I am. Yes, I still go there.
3. Cases when there are exact plans for the near or distant future.
What are you doing tomorrow? What are you doing tomorrow?
We’re going to New York city tomorrow. We're going to New York tomorrow.
I'm seeing a movie tomorrow. I'll watch a movie tomorrow.
I am meeting some friends after work. I meet my friends tomorrow after work.
I'm not going to the party tonight. Not going to the party tonight.
Is he visiting his parents next weekend? Is he going to visit his parents next week?
We are going to Cuba in November. We're going to Cuba in November.
We are traveling to AU next year. Next year we will go to Astralia.
4. Temporary condition or behavior of a person.
In life, he does not do this, but now / today he has changed his actions.
Why are you being so selfish?
Why are you so selfish?
Normally Tom eats soup, but today he is wanting milk. Usually Tom eats soup, but today he wants milk. / about the child /
5. Repetitive actions in human behavior - both negative and positive, which you like or DO NOT like.
Indicator words: always, constantly.
He is always complaining. He complains all the time.
She is constantly helping people. She always helps people.
I'm always coming to class late. I’m late for classes all the time.
He is constantly talking. She talks incessantly.
Well, and finally,
List of verbs allegedly "not used" in the form of Present Continuous "
Guys, don't waste time learning all these verbs.
Three reasons.
1. The most compelling. 70% of them, oddly enough - not often, BUT are used by native speakers in Present Continius. Take a look below for the list and examples I've collected.
2. While you are at the initial stage of learning English, believe me, you will have nowhere to use these verbs.
Do not "load" yourself, and do not let the Russian teachers "load" you. Everything will come with time.
3. The carriers themselves, certified English teachers - nobody mentions these verbs in their materials. Why do you think? see the first two points.
I present the list of these unfortunate verbs solely for acquaintance with beginners.
And below, examples, from the natives themselves.
As you can see, all words have a place to be in the form of Present Continuous.
I'm seeing thinner.
I'm trusting you more than I trust most people.
It’s taken some study, but I’m just understanding the basics now.
Am I losing muscle if I’m weighing less?
Children not resembling mother.
Oh, I’m remembering that now.
Ok, I am recognizing that the voice inside my head.
If you're realizing, you already have an inkling about where you can improve.
Are you suggesting that my friend Benny is a liar?
You’re insisting too much on that!
Are they refusing my offer?
I'm preferring now
Are you advising me?
Are you seeing me?
Are you hearing they?
I'm feeling that ..