CHAPTER II

PRESENT CONTINOUS TENSE

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CHAPTER II
PRESENT CONTINOUS TENSE

Present continuous
The present continuous is made from the present tense of the verb be and the –
ing form of a verb:

I am working

You are playing

He is talking

She is living

It is eating

We are staying

They are sleeping

We use present continuous tense

1. Now
I am eating my lunch now.
2. At the moment
Linda is taking a shower at the moment.
3. Today
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I am holding my birthday party today.

4. Still
He is still trying to contact her.
5. At present
We are hanging out at home at present

We use the present continuous to talk about:

1. Activities at the moment of speaking:
I'm just leaving work. I'll be home in an hour.
Please be quiet. The children are sleeping.

2. Future plans or arrangements:

Mary is going to a new school next term.
What are you doing next week?

Present continuous questions

We make questions by putting am, is or are in front of the subject:
Are you listening?
Are they coming to your party?
When is she going home?
What am I doing here?

Present continuous negatives

We make negatives by putting not (or n't) after am, is or are:
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I'm not doing that.

You aren't listening. (or You're not listening.)
They aren't coming to the party. (or They're not coming to the party.)
She isn't going home until Monday. (or She's not going home until Monday.)

Present Continuous
The present continuous (also called present progressive) is a verb tense which is
used to show that an ongoing action is happening now, either at the moment of
speech or now in a larger sense. The present continuous can also be used to show
that an action is going to take place in the near future. Read on for detailed
descriptions, examples, and present continuous exercises.

Present Continuous Forms

The present continuous is formed using am/is/are + present participle. Questions
are indicated by inverting the subject and am/is/are. Negatives are made with not.
a. Statement: You are watching TV.
b. Question: Are you watching TV?
c. Negative: You are not watching TV.

Complete List of Present Continuous Forms

Present Continuous Uses
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.
Examples:
1. You are learning English now.
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2. You are not swimming now.

3. Are you sleeping?
4. I am sitting.
5. I am not standing.
6. Is he sitting or standing?
7. They are reading their books.
8. They are not watching television.
9. What are you doing?
10. Why aren't you doing your homework?

USE 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.
Examples: (All of these sentences can be said while eating dinner in a restaurant.)
1. I am studying to become a doctor.
2. I am not studying to become a dentist.
3. I am reading the book Tom Sawyer.
4. I am not reading any books right now.
5. Are you working on any special projects at work?
6. Aren't you teaching at the university now?
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USE 3 Near Future

Sometimes, speakers use the present continuous to indicate that something will or
will not happen in the near future.
Examples:
1. I am meeting some friends after work.
2. I am not going to the party tonight.
3. Is he visiting his parents next weekend?
4. Isn't he coming with us tonight?

USE 4 Repetition and 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 simple present, but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words
"always" or "constantly" between "be" and "verb+ing."
Examples:
1. She is always coming to class late.
2. He is constantly talking. I wish he would shut up.
3. I don't like them because they are always complaining.

Present Continuous Tips

REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs / Mixed Verbs
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It is important to remember that non-continuous verbs cannot be used in any

continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for mixed verbs cannot
be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using present continuous with these verbs,
you must use simple present.
Examples:
1. She is loving this chocolate ice cream. Not Correct
2. She loves this chocolate ice cream. Correct
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always,
only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples:
1. You are still watching TV.
2. Are you still watching TV?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
1. Right now, Tom is writing the letter. Active
2. Right now, the letter is being written by Tom. Passive

Stative verbs
We do not normally use the continuous with stative verbs. Stative verbs include:
1. Verbs of thinking and feeling:

believe love recognize understand

dislike hate remember want
know prefer suppose wish
like realize think (= believe)
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2. verbs of the senses:

appear look smell taste

feel seem sound

Others:

agree belong need own

be disagree owe possess

We normally use the simple instead:

I understand you. (NOT I am understanding you.)
This cake tastes wonderful. (NOT This cake is tasting wonderful.)

B. Level: intermediate
We also use the present continuous to talk about:
1, something which is happening before and after a specific time:
At eight o'clock we are usually having breakfast.
When I get home the children are doing their homework.
2. something which we think is temporary:
a. Michael is at university. He's studying history.
b. I'm working in London for the next two weeks.

3. Something which is new and contrasts with a previous state:

a. These days most people are using email instead of writing letters.
b. What sort of clothes are teenagers wearing nowadays?
c. What sort of music are they listening to?
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4. Something which is changing, growing or developing:

a. The children are growing up quickly.
b. The climate is changing rapidly.
c. Your English is improving.

5/ something which happens again and again:

a. It's always raining in London.
b. They are always arguing.
c. George is great. He's always laughing.
Note that we normally use always with this use.

C. Level: advanced
We can use the present continuous to talk about the past when we are:
• telling a story:
The other day I'm just walking down the street when suddenly this man comes up
to me and asks me to lend him some money. Well, he's carrying a big stick and he
looks a bit dangerous, so I'm wondering what to do
The present continuous (also called present progressive) is a verb tense which is used
to show that an ongoing action is happening now, either at the moment of speech or
now in a larger sense. The present continuous can also be used to show that an action
is going to take place in the near future. Read on for detailed descriptions, examples,
and present continuous exercises.

Present Continuous Forms

The present continuous is formed using am/is/are + present participle. Questions
are indicated by inverting the subject and am/is/are. Negatives are made with not.
Statement: You are watching TV.
Question: Are you watching TV?
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Negative: You are not watching TV.

Complete List of Present Continuous Forms

Present Continuous Uses

USE 1 Now
Present continuous 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.

Examples:
1, You are learning English now.
2. You are not swimming now.
3. Are you sleeping?
4, I am sitting.
5, I am not standing.
6, Is he sitting or standing?
7. They are reading their books.
8. They are not watching television.
9. What are you doing?
10. Why aren't you doing your homework?

USE 2 Longer Actions in Progress Now

Present continuous longer duration
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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.

Examples: (All of these sentences can be said while eating dinner in a restaurant.)
1. I am studying to become a doctor.
2. I am not studying to become a dentist.
3. I am reading the book Tom Sawyer.
4. I am not reading any books right now.
5. Are you working on any special projects at work?
6. Aren't you teaching at the university now?

USE 3 Near Future

present continuous near future

Sometimes, speakers use the present continuous to indicate that something will or
will not happen in the near future.
Examples:
1, I am meeting some friends after work.
2. I am not going to the party tonight.
3.Is he visiting his parents next weekend?
4. Isn't he coming with us tonight?

USE 4 Repetition and Irritation with "Always"

Present continuous always habit
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 simple present, but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words
"always" or "constantly" between "be" and "verb+ing."
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Examples:
1. She is always coming to class late.
2. He is constantly talking. I wish he would shut up.
3. I don't like them because they are always complaining.

Present Continuous Tips

REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs / Mixed Verbs
It is important to remember that non-continuous verbs cannot be used in any
continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for mixed verbs cannot
be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using present continuous with these verbs,
you must use simple present.

Examples:
1. She is loving this chocolate ice cream. Not Correct
2. She loves this chocolate ice cream. Correct

Present continuous used in Dynamic Verb:

1. My sister is currently unpacking her bookshelf.
2. Dad is fixing his car.
3. I am not feeling well today.

ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always,
only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples:
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1. You are still watching TV.

2. Are you still watching TV?

ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
1. Right now, Tom is writing the letter. Active
2. Right now, the letter is being written by Tom. Passive

Exercise: Put the verb in brackets in the correct form to make different form of the
Present Continuous Tense.

1. John (read) a book now.

2. What (you do) tonight?

3. Jack and Peter (work) late today.

4. Silvia (not listen) to music.

5. Maria (sit) next to Paul.

6. How many other students (you study) with?

7. The phone (not ring).

Present Continuous - Practice Forming Present Continuous

Exercise: Put the verb in brackets in the correct form to make different form of the Present
Continuous Tense.

1. John (read) a book now.

2. What (you do) tonight?

3. Jack and Peter (work) late today.

4. Silvia (not listen) to music.

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5. Maria (sit) next to Paul.

6. How many other students (you study) with?

7. The phone (not ring).

8. John (read) a book now.

Exercises completed sentences with present continuous tenses

1. What (you do) tonight?

2. Jack and Peter (work) late today.

3. Silvia (not listen) to music.

4. Maria (sit) next to Paul.

5. How many other students (you study) with?

6. The phone (not ring).

Present Continuous Tense - More Practice

1 for I'm my glasses. looking

2 reading? book of are What you kind

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3 crying? is Why Pamela

4 is studying economics Kharkov National at University. Paul

5 Why is everyone laughing?

6 you me? Are for waiting

7 are leaving? When you

8 Saudi working is in Arabia John the at moment.

9 company for working Jennifer same as the Is you?

10 next party you do having come? want I'm a Saturday - to

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How to form the present continuous tense in English

The present continuous tense is sometimes called the present progressive.

Structure of present continuous

positive negative question

I’m (I am) reading a

book. I’m not reading. Am I reading?

You’re (you are) reading

a book. You’re not reading. Are you reading?

He’s (he is) reading a He’s not (also he

book. isn’t) reading. Is he reading?

She’s (she is) reading a She’s not (also she

book. isn’t) reading. Is she reading?

It’s not (also it

It’s (it is) raining. isn’t) raining. Is it raining?

We’re (we are) reading

a book. We’re not reading. Are we reading?

They’re (they are)

reading a book. They’re not reading. Are they reading?
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Present continuous – common mistakes

Common mistakes Correct version Why?

They are waiting for To form a continuous

They waiting for you. you. tense we use be + -ing.

In questions the subject

(they) and the auxiliary
They are waiting for Are they waiting for verb (be) usually change
you? you? places.

In questions the subject

Do they waiting for Are they waiting for (they) and the auxiliary
you? you? verb (be) change places.

In questions the subject

Where they are waiting Where are they waiting (they) and the auxiliary
for you? for you? verb (be) change places.

To form the negative we

put not after the
verb be (am not = 'm
She doesn't watching not, is not = isn't, are not
TV. She isn't watching TV. = aren't).

Some verbs are not used

in continuous tenses –
I'm believing you. I believe you.
these are called stative
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verbs (e.g. believe, come

from, cost, depend, exist,
feel, hate, like).

How to form the present continuous tense in English

The present continuous tense is sometimes called the present progressive.

Structure of present continuous

positive negative question

I’m (I am) reading a

book. I’m not reading. Am I reading?

You’re (you are) reading

a book. You’re not reading. Are you reading?

He’s (he is) reading a He’s not (also he

book. isn’t) reading. Is he reading?

She’s (she is) reading a She’s not (also she

book. isn’t) reading. Is she reading?

It’s not (also it

It’s (it is) raining. isn’t) raining. Is it raining?

We’re (we are) reading

a book. We’re not reading. Are we reading?
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They’re (they are)

reading a book. They’re not reading. Are they reading?

Present continuous – common mistakes

Common mistakes Correct version Why?

They are waiting for To form a continuous

They waiting for you. you. tense we use be + -ing.

In questions the subject

(they) and the auxiliary
They are waiting for Are they waiting for verb (be) usually change
you? you? places.

In questions the subject

Do they waiting for Are they waiting for (they) and the auxiliary
you? you? verb (be) change places.

In questions the subject

Where they are waiting Where are they waiting (they) and the auxiliary
for you? for you? verb (be) change places.

To form the negative we

put not after the
verb be (am not = 'm
She doesn't watching not, is not = isn't, are not
TV. She isn't watching TV. = aren't).

Some verbs are not used

I'm believing you. I believe you.
in continuous tenses –
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these are called stative

verbs (e.g. believe, come
from, cost, depend, exist,
feel, hate, like).

Instructions
Write a question in the present continuous based on each statement.
Example
~ I’m cooking something.
~ What are you cooking?
1 I'm writing something.
What ?
2 They're painting something.
What ?
3 She's eating something.
What ?
4 I'm drinking something.
?
5 He's holding something.
?
6 I'm going somewhere.
?
7 She's driving somewhere.
?
8 I'm waiting for somebody.
for?
9 He's talking to somebody.
Signal words for present continuous tense:
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1. Actions happening at the time of speaking:

o at the moment, now, just now. right now, listen.., look..
2. Actions going on now:
o at the moment, now
3. Actions depicting current trend/taking place for a given time
period/temporary situation:
o this week/this month/this year
4. Actions planned in the near future:
o in the morning/afternoon/evening, at noon/night, tonight, tomorrow,
next week/month/year/session
5. Continuous series of repeated actions/development/changing situations:
o more and more

Fill in the missing words

1. My brother Ram, (stay) in California at present.

2. Mr. Sharma (watch) IPL on TV at the moment
3. For the time being, Linda (work) as a principal.
4. Listen! Somebody (play) at upstairs.
5. Look at that man! He (wear) a green uniform. He must be a police
officer.
6. Right now, I am in the class, (sit) at my desk.
7. They (watch) TV now.
8. The boy (sleep) since noon.

Interrogative and Negative sentences in present continuous tense.

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Rewrite the sentences in interrogative form

Eg. The children are watching TV now.
Answer: Are the children watching TV now?

1. Arman is having breakfast now.

2. Anton is answering the call at the moment.

3. I am helping Linda with her work today.

4. The nice girls are washing dishes.

5. The student is sleeping in the class.

6. It is raining heavily now.

7. The students are writing an essay.

8. You are doing this exercise correctly.

9. The cat is drinking milk.

10.The girl is singing a Dangdut song.

Rewrite the sentences in interrogative form

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Eg. The children are watching TV now.

Answer: The child is NOT watching TV now.

1. Arman is having breakfast now.

2. Anton is answering the call at the moment.

3. I am helping Linda with her work today.

4. The nice girls are washing the dishes.

5. The student is sleeping in the class.

6. It is raining heavily now.

7. The students are writing an essay.

8. You are doing this exercise correctly.

9. The dog is drinking milk.

10.The girl is singing a Dangdut song.

Fill in the missing words choosing the appropriate word from those given in the
brackets
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1. The Earth round the Sun. (is moving/moves)

2. Can I have some milk before I to bed? (am going/go)

3. He a mill in the town. (is having/has)

4. Don't disturb me. I my homework. (am doing/do)

5. Anu to be a doctor. (is wanting/wants)

6. She Piano in the concert tomorrow. (is playing/plays)

7. The headmaster to speak to you. (is wanting/wants)

8. I something burning. (am smelling/smell)

9. The boys are always among themselves. (fighting/fight)

10.The doctor the patient now. (is examining/examines)

11.I English these days. (am learning/learn)

12.The doctor (is examining/examines) the patient thoroughly

13.. and (is prescribing/prescribes) some medicines.

14.Trained dogs the ball as soon as it is thrown. (are fetching/fetch)

15.We a rich crop this year. (are expecting/expect)

Rearrange the given words in proper order to form a meaningful sentence,

1. market/Shanti/going/to/is/the

2. walks/school/Linda/to/everyday
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3. they/playing/park/the/in/are/cricket/?

4. laughing/clown/at/funny/Anisha/is/the

5. music/not/lessons/Anton /taking/is

6. Linda /not/doll/playing/is/her/with

7. walking/towards/is/Susi/bus-stop/?/the

8. milk/not/Tono/is/drinking.

9. work/students/hard/exams/during

10. going/start/to/show/is/in/a/minutes/few/the