Present Continuous - features of use. Present Continuous in English

Dear readers of the English Voyage blog! Today you will learn how to use one more tense of the English verb In the grammar tables below, we will look at the formation of affirmative, interrogative and negative forms Present Continuous (Progressive). After tables and a useful video, you will be able to translate Russian sentences into English using the present continuous tense. If you do not confuse forms and translate sentences with am, is, are without errors, then you will easily remember the formation of time.

To get started, watch this video tutorial carefully. Here they calmly and in detail talk about the construction and use of Present Continuous. At the end - an exercise (do not be too lazy to do it :).

Time Present Continuous used:

to describe an action happening at the moment of speaking. For example: She is singing a song now. She is singing a song now.

to describe a temporary action that occurs not at the present moment of speech (at the same minute, second), but at the present time period. For example: I am working on the project. I'm working on the project. (Meaning not at this moment, but for a limited present period, which will soon end).

to describe repetitive actions that cause irritation, disapproval of the speaker. Especially with phrases like always, constantly, repeatedly, which are translated, as a rule, into Russian by the word "forever". For example: You are always shouting at me! You always yell at me!

marker words(read more about marker words in the article) for Present Continuous: now, at the moment, this week, today. For the future - tomorrow, next week.

Time Present Continuous NOT used with state verbs - verbs that describe the state of the soul, body or mind, as well as ongoing relationships. State verbs include the following English verbs: appear (meaning "appear"), assume - believe, be - be, believe - believe, count, belong - belong, consider (meaning "count"), consist - consist, contain - contain, cost - cost, depend - depend, detest - to be disgusted, envy - to envy, equal - to be equal, exist - to exist, expect - to expect, feel (in the meanings "cause a sensation", "to be touched" and "count"), fit - to be fit, forget - forget, hate - hate, have (meaning "possess"), hear - hear, include - include, know - know, lack - lack, like - like, look (meaning "look"), love - love, matter - to matter, mean - to mean, need - to need, owe - to be due, own - to own, possess - to possess, prefer - to prefer, realize - to realize, remember - to remember, see (in the meanings of "perceive by sight", "understand" ), seem - to seem, smell (meaning "smell"), taste (meaning "to have a taste"), tend - to tend, think (meaning "to count"), understand - understand at, want - want, wish - wish, weigh (meaning "weigh"). We will look at state verbs in more detail in future posts.

THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS (PROGRESSIVE) TENSE

affirmative form

Interrogative form

(yes/no questions - general questions) ?

Interrogative form

(WH-? - special questions) ?

negative form

Before you say a sentence, think about the verb. If this is a state verb, then instead of Present Continuous, you need to use Present Simple. For example, “I love pizza” - “I love (like) pizza”.

So, today we have considered the formation of Present Continuous. If you have any questions about the topic or need additional explanations, write in the comments. I will gladly answer all questions. Expect new articles in the rubric.

When we talk on the phone, we are often asked "What are you doing now?" and we usually answer something like "I am chilling / drinking coffee / cooking / reading a book". In response, we use "Present Continuous" (present continius) or "real continuous time."

Such a tense helps to describe the action that is taking place at the moment of the spoken speech. This is our first rule for using Present Progressive Tense. But let's find out more, shall we?

Using Present Continuous

So, "Present Continuous" we use in the following cases:

• when we talk about an action that is happening (or not happening) right now, at the moment of speech. Marker words can be used here: now" (now), " at the moment" (in this moment). Also, we can use this time for two actions that occur simultaneously in the present.

She's drinking tea now. She is drinking tea now.
He "s not playing computer games now because he" s sleeping.- He is not playing now. computer games because he is sleeping.

• when the action takes place in the present, but not at a particular moment of speech.

Something is happening around now. In this case " now” matters not only in this second, but also today, as well as this week, this month, or even this year.

I am reading an interesting book.- I'm reading an interesting book (I started reading it before the moment of speech and will read it for some time, but I'm not busy reading right now).
I usually drink tea, but today I'm drinking coffee. - I usually drink tea, but today I drink coffee.

• when we talk about an action that develops and changes. Such an action can be indicated by the words " change"(to change)," get/become"(become)," rise" (get up), " fall" (fall), " grow"(grow)," improve"(improve)," begin/start» (begin).

Your English is getting better.- Your English is getting better.
Our country is developing.- Our country is developing.

• when we talk about the near future, planned actions and plans. We use "Present Continuous" only with those actions that we have already firmly decided to perform. Marker words: " this/next week" (this/next week), " this/next weekend» (this/next weekend), « this/next year"(this/next year)," today" (in the evening), " today" (today), " tomorrow"(tomorrow).

I am having a lesson tomorrow at 4.10 p.m.- I have a class tomorrow at 16:00 (I have already planned the action and I know all the details).
We are going to the theater next Monday.- We are going to the theater next Monday (we know the name of the play, which theatre, time, bought tickets, etc.).

• when we want to show discontent, indignation, irritation. In these cases, we use the words always(always), constantly(constantly), all the time(all time), forever(forever) to show that a person regularly does something that we do not like and that it annoys us.

They are always complaining.- They always complain.
He's constantly biting his nails.- He bites his nails all the time.

As you may have noticed, the form of "Present Continuous Tense" is as follows:

• Affirmative: Subject + verb "to be" + V-ing
• Interrogative: Verb "to be" + subject + V-ing ?
• Negative: No + subject + verb "to be" + not + V-ing

Nota Bene: different subjects have different forms of the verb "to be": "I am", "he/she/it is"," you/we/they are».

Present Continuous Forms

Let's look at all forms of "Present Progressive Tense" using the example of the verb "work" - to work.

The main verb or semantic verb in "Present Continuous" has the ending "- ing". Usually we just need to add this ending to the verb, but as always there are exceptions.

Also, do not forget about the "insidious verbs" ( state verbs) that are not used in Present Continuous Tense. They can be divided into 6 groups:

• Senses and Perceptions: to feel, to hear, to see, to smell, to taste.
• Opinions: to assume, to believe, to consider, to doubt, to feel (= to think), to find (= to consider), to suppose, to think.
• Emotions and desires: to envy, to fear, to dislike, to hate, to hope, to like, to love, to mind, to prefer, to regret, to want, to wish.
• mental states: to forget, to imagine, to know, to mean, to notice, to recognize, to remember, to understand.
• measurement: to contain, to cost, to hold, to measure, to weigh.
• Others: to look (= resemble), to seem, to be (in most cases), to have(= to possess).

But as always, there are a few cases where state verbs are used with "Present Continuous". This happens when the verb has several meanings and one of them shows action, and also when we want to show that the situation is temporary.

The steak tastes good.- This steak tastes great (steak is always so delicious).
The chef is tasting the steak.- The chef is tasting the steak (he is tasting it now).

Conclusion

So, we have analyzed the main features of the use of "Present Continuous". It is used quite often in situations, for example, when we talk about the present, the future, our plans, and temporary events.

We hope that the article will help you understand all the nuances. Don't stop evolving!

We offer you to get acquainted with other tenses of the English language

Big and friendly family EnglishDom

Present Continuous - the present continuous tense of the English language, denotes
action taking place at the moment; action, which is a continuous process taking place at the moment of speech; future planned action. When we talk about such an event, we usually use the words now(now), at the moment(Currently), currently, currently(currently), etc. The action is incomplete.

affirmative form

affirmative form present tense is formed from the auxiliary verb " to be" in the corresponding person of the present tense ( am, is, are) and a semantic verb in the ing form ( V-ing) that follow the subject.

I am watching TV now
I am watching TV now

I am(= I "m) eat ing. -
I eat.

She is reading at the moment
She is currently reading

Is not reading a book. -
He is reading a book (now).

We are working now
We are working now.

We/you/they are(=we"re/you"re/they"re) sing ing. -
We/you(you)/they sing.

The water is boiling. Can you turn it off? -
The water is boiling at the moment. Turn it off.

Currently I am working on a very exciting project. -
Currently I am working on a very interesting project.

We can't come right now because we are watching TV. -
We can't come right now because we watch TV.

Interrogative form

To ask a question in the present continuous tense, you need to put the verb "to be" before subject, semantic verb in the form " -ing"should behind the subject.

Am I reading now? -
I'm reading now?

Is he reading a new book? -
Is he reading a new book?

Are we waiting for a bus? -
Are we waiting for the bus?

Are we playing basketball? -
Are we playing basketball now?

Are children enjoying the party? -
Children enjoy the holiday?

Is she speaking to her mother? -
Is she talking to her mother?

Is Mary sleeping?
Yes, she is. (She's sleeppin.)
No, she is not. (No, she is not sleeping)
No, she's not. (She's not sleeping)
No, she isn't (She isn't sleeping)

Special questions in Present Continuous

Where is Mary sleeping?
On the sofa (She's sleeping on the sofa)

Why are you watching TV?
Because I like this program. (I'm watching TV because I like this program)

Negative form

The negative form is formed by stating the negation " not" after the auxiliary verb.

They are not playing football now.
They don't play football now.

They are very busy.
They are very busy.

Compare with present indefinite:

They don "t play football at all. - They don't play football at all.

Interrogative-negative form

In the interrogative-negative form, the particle not is placed directly after the subject or before the subject, forming an abbreviated form of the auxiliary verb and particle:

Am I not working?
Is he not working? (Isn't he working?)
Are we not working? (Aren't we working?)

+ She is standing.
- She is not standing.
? Is she standing?
Yes, she is. No, she is not. (No, she isn't.)

Present Continuous to express actions taking place at the moment of speech

- What are you writing? - I am writing a letter to a friend of mine.
- What are you (now) writing? I am writing (now) a letter to my friend.

They are not working. They are on their holidays. - They don't work (now). They are on vacation.

If at the moment the fact of action is more important for the speaker than the process, then Present Indefinite is used, not Present Continuous:

Why don't you answer? - Why don't you answer?

Stop talking! Why don't you listen? - Stop talking! Why don't you listen?

If two simultaneous processes occur at the moment of speech, then all three options for transferring these actions are possible: both in Indefinite, one in Indefinite - the other in Continuous, both in Continuous:

Do you hear what he says? = Do you hear what he's saying? = Are you listening to what he's saying?
Do you hear (listen) what he says

Temporal markers Present Continuous

English verbs in Present Continuous used c
temporary markers:
still- still,
now- now,
at present- currently,
at the moment- Currently,
meanwhile- Meanwhile,
while- bye

Moreover, the presence of words denoting the moment of speech: now, at this moment, etc. is possible, but not at all necessary.

I am sitting at my table and writing. -
I sit at the table and write. (now)

The bus is coming. -
The bus is coming.

It is raining. -
It's raining. (Currently)

Mary, what are you doing? -
Mary, what are you (now) doing?

You are not listening to me. -
You don't listen to me.

Verbs that are not used in Continuous:

(verbs of senses)
feel - feel
hear - to hear
notice - notice
see - see,
smell - to smell,
sound - sound,
taste - try.

I hear a siren. Do you here it too

(verbs of need and need) needs and wants:
need - need,
wish - wish,
want - want.

I want an apple

(tastes and dislikes) likes and dislikes:
dislike - not to love,
hate - hate,
like - like,
love - to love,
prefer - prefer.

(knowledge)
forget - forget
know - to know
realize - realize
understand - understand.

The Present Continuous Present Continuous is formed using the verb to be and the -ing form of the verb

To express a long action taking place in the present time period, although not necessarily at the moment of speech, for example:

I am learning to drive. -
I am learning to drive. (currently)

He is studying at school. -
He goes to school. (currently)

My husband is working on an invention. -
My husband is (currently) working on an invention.

Is not writing a new play. -
He is writing a new play. (not right now, but in this period of life)

That firm is carrying on negotiations for the purchase of ore. -
This firm is negotiating the purchase of ore.

to express future action

The Present Continuous is also used to express future action:

To express a planned future action (the actor expresses both the intention to perform the action and the confidence in its commission, since there is an agreement, plan, tickets, etc.), especially with verbs denoting movement or action. In this case, the circumstances of time are almost always used. This form is typical of the colloquial style, while Present Indefinite is typical of the formal style.

Such constructions often contain words today, this week and even tomorrow

We are leaving tomorrow at 6.

I "m going to visit my aunt this evening -
I decided to go to my uncle's tonight.

1) To express a planned future action (the actor expresses both the intention to perform the action and the confidence in its commission, since there is an agreement, plan, tickets, etc.), especially with verbs denoting movement or action. In this case, the circumstances of time are almost always used. This form is typical of the colloquial style, while Present Indefinite is typical of the formal style.

I'm leaving tomorrow. -
I leave tomorrow.

We're flying to Paris in the morning. -
We're leaving for Paris in the morning.

We are dining out on Saturday. -
We have lunch at a party on Saturday.

He is taking his examination on Friday. -
He is taking his exam on Friday.

2 To express the future action in adverbial clauses of the condition and time of the conditions introduced by the conjunctions (if if, in case in case, etc.) or time (before before, until (till) until ... not, while in while, while, when, etc.), for example:

If I am sleeping when he comes, wake me up, please. -
If I am sleeping when he comes, please wake me up.

cuts in colloquial speech:

In colloquial speech, abbreviations are used:

I am \u003d I "m
He (she, it) is \u003d He "s (she" s, it "s)
We (you, they) are = we "re (you" re, they "re)
am not="m not
is not= isn't="s not
are not=aren"t="re not

He's working.
He isn't working. = He's not working.
Aren't they working?

Reference table for the formation of the affirmative form of the Present Continuous in English

Let's first take a look at the How is Present Continuous Tense Formed?. It refers to compound tenses, since even in affirmative sentences it consists of an auxiliary and a main verb.

The auxiliary verb for the present continuous tense is verb to be in the present tense, or rather its form am, is, are. The ending is added to the main verb, which will indicate the action to be performed. -ing.

Remember!

To form an affirmative sentence in Present Continuous, use one of the forms of the verb be (am/is/are) and main verb with the ending -ing.

It is important to remember that auxiliary verb to be always agrees with the subject, that is, its form am/is/are must match the number and person of the subject. Let's look at the examples in more detail:

I am reading a book(Russian I am reading a book): I- subject, are- auxiliary verb (consistent with subject), reading .

He is working as a secretary now(Russian. He is now working as a secretary): he- subject, is working- main verb (does not agree with the subject, frozen form)

• Hey, you are eating my ice-cream(rus. Hey, you eat my ice cream): you- subject, are- auxiliary verb (consistent with the subject), eating- main verb (does not agree with the subject, frozen form)

Examples of affirmative sentences in Present Continuous with translation:

Often used in colloquial speech abbreviated forms of the linking verb to be: I'm, You're, He's/She's/It's etc.

If there are homogeneous predicates in the sentence, then the linking verb to be is usually omitted, for example:

James and Sally are spending the evening together, watching a new video(Russian James and Sally spend the evening together, they watch TV).

Rules for adding the ending -ing to Present Continuous

Reference table adding the ending -ing to form the Present Continuous.

At education Present continuous tense as a general rule, we add the ending to the verb -ing. However, there are a number of verbs that require a little transformation when adding such an ending.

Consider basic rules for adding the ending -ing for education Present Continuous.

Rule #1

If the verb ends in -e, then this final vowel is omitted:

make - making, drive - driving

Rule #2

If the verb consists of 1 syllable and ends in 1 vowel and 1 consonant, then the consonant is doubled:

swim-swimming, stop - stopping

However, it is not necessary to double the consonant if the verb ends in -w or -x:

sew - sewing, fix - fixing

Rule #3

If the verb consists of two or more syllables and ends with a vowel followed by one consonant, then the consonant is doubled only if the last syllable is stressed:

put - putting, regret - regretting

Rule #4

If the verb ends in -ie, then -ie changes to -y:

lie - lying, die - dying

What verbs can not be used in Present Continuous

Reference table: verbs that are not used with Continuous tenses

There are a number of verbs in English that cannot be used in Present Continuous Tense. Such verbs include the so-called State/Stative/Non-action Verbs(Russian state verbs). However, there are exceptions to these verbs.

For example, the following verbs are not used in the Continuous tenses because they themselves denote some kind of process in one way or another:

english verbs related to perception (notice, hear, see, feel…)

verbs that convey emotions (love, hate, like...)

verbs that convey the processes of mental activity (know, understand, believe…)

possession verbs (have, possess, belong…)

existence verbs (be, exist, consist of…)

• other verbs (fit, deserve, matter…)

Verbs that should not be used in Continuous

These verbs use the tense Present Simple instead of Present Continuous. Compare:

Correctly: Many people believe in the existence of UFOs(eng. Many people believe in the existence of UFOs)

• Not properly: Many people are believing in the existence of UFOs(Russian believe only now)

Sometimes, however, the same verb can have two meanings, and depending on the meaning, the verb can be used in the Present Continuous tense, for example:

I consider (=believe) her to be a very good student(rus. I believe she is a very good student)

• I'm still considering (= studying) all the pros and cons(rus. I'm still learning the pros and cons)

In some cases, the change in the meaning of the verb is not significant, and emotional coloring allows you to use the verb in the Continuous form:

Negative and interrogative sentences in Present Continuous

Reference table for the formation of affirmative form, negation, simple and special questions in Present Continuous, short answers

English learners often think that formation of negative and interrogative forms in Present Continuous is easier than in.

Of course, you remember that when negative and questions are formed in Present Simple, an auxiliary verb is added do or does, and the main verb is used without an ending -(e)s. Unlike it, Present Continuous already has an auxiliary verb am/is/are even in the affirmative form, that is, you do not have to think about which auxiliary verb to use.

That is why in some Present Continuous is the first tense that students are introduced to.

Formation of the negative form of Present Continuous

When forming negative sentences in the Present Progressive, it is important to remember how the auxiliary verb to be forms interrogative and negative forms in the present tense.

After all, it is the forms of the verb to be (am/is/are) are used to form questions and negatives. The ending -ing in the semantic verb always remains unchanged.

Remember!

To form negative sentences in Present Continuous to an auxiliary verb am/is/are add a negative particle not, and the semantic verb always retains the ending -ing.

In order to make an affirmative sentence negative, you need to add the particle not after the auxiliary verb to be (am/is/are): I am not working(Russian I don't work), He isn't working(Russian It doesn't work), My brothers are not working(Russian. My brothers are not working now)

Examples of negative sentences in Present Continuous

In conversation, abbreviated forms are always preferred, unless the speaker wishes to give emotional reinforcement to the denial: I am not working = I'm not working, He is not working = He isn't working, They are not working = They aren't working

Questions and answers with Present Continuous

Word order in interrogative sentences for Present Continuous is no different from other times. Auxiliary am/is/are always comes before the subject, and the semantic verb with the ending -ing for the subject.

Remember!

To ask a general question in the Present Continuous auxiliary verb am/is/are must come before the subject, and the semantic verb always retains the ending -ing.

In special questions, the interrogative word is put first, followed by an auxiliary verb. am/is/are, followed by the subject and semantic verb with the ending -ing.

Compare:

Are you watching TV?(rus. Do you watch TV?): a general question that requires a yes or no answer

What are you watching?(rus. What are you watching?): special question with a question word what

What TV program are you watching?(rus. What TV program do you watch?) special question with an interrogative phrase What TV program

• Who are you watching it with?(rus. Who do you watch it with?) special question with a question word Who (with)

Examples of interrogative sentences in Present Continuous

As you can see, nothing complicated in the formation of interrogative and negative forms of Present Continuous cannot be, if you know the conjugation of the verb copula well to be in present time.

Using Present Continuous

Present Continuous is used to refer to actions in the present that are not permanent, temporary.

Before moving on to specific cases and rules for using the present continuous tense, let's pay attention to the marker words that are often used with this tense.

Marker words for Present Continuous the following:

now- now,

at the moment- in this moment,

at present- currently

these days- these days

nowadays- today, now, nowadays

still- still, still

today/tonight- tonight/tonight

look!- Look!

Listen!- Listen!

Often marker words are omitted in English, especially if the context is clear to all participants in the conversation. But in the translation into Russian, these words, on the contrary, have to add or use the imperfect form of the verb to show that the action is happening now.

Present Continuous for present

So, in what cases do we use Present Continuous Tense for the present time? Let's look at the list below:

1. First of all, Present Continuous is used to express action, happening now, at the moment (at the moment of speech):

2. We also use the Present Continuous when we are talking about an action that does not last at a particular moment, but “around it”, it seems to be stretched out in time, i.e. action in progress. Perhaps it started yesterday or last week, continues in the present and will continue for some other period of time, during which we perform this action from time to time:

3. For a temporary action that lasts certain limited period of time and we usually specify it:

4. The Present Continuous is also used for an action indicating long, constantly changing process. In this case, verbs are often used get- to become change- to change improve- to improve grow- grow, start- begin rise- grow, etc.:

5. We know that “always” is a marker. However, it is important to mention that if we exaggerate the situation and express a note of indignation, indignation, irritation, then we use the Present Continuous with “always” to show that we do not like it:

Present Progressive is used for an action that indicates unusual, unusual human behavior, i.e. if we want to show that a person is doing something that is usually not characteristic of him. In this case, we often use the verb to be also in the long run:

Summing up: Present Continuous describes an action in progress at the moment of speech or characteristic of the present. The action can continue after, but it can also end at any moment, that is, it is temporary.

Present Continuous for the future

As mentioned earlier, the present continuous performs many functions, including we can use Present Continuous to express the future.

So, for example, we use it when we talk about plans, agreements that we definitely decided to fulfill in the near future

Examples of Present Continuous to indicate the future

As you noticed, in Russian we also use the present tense to show that an action in the future is predetermined and will definitely take place.

Present Continuous examples of sentences with translation

So, now we know when and in what cases it is necessary to use Present Continuous time. In order to make it easier to absorb this information, let's look at a few more examples of sentences in the present continuous tense.

Using Present Continuous Tense: Examples with Translation and Meaning

Pay attention to one more example: I would like to remind you about stative verbs - verbs that are not used in the Continuous tense group:

Now we understand every word(Russian. Now we understand your every word): action at the moment of speech, but the verb understand is not used in Continuous, therefore it is used in Present Simple.

Present Continuous and other English tenses

There are 12 tenses in English: 4 for present, 4 for past and 4 for future. And they all have their own characteristics.

1. Present (present)
2. Past (past)
3. Future (future).

But each of them has 4 forms:

• Simple
• Continuous
• Perfect
• Perfect Continuous

It is thanks to such a detailed system that tenses in English describe each situation in more detail and allow the interlocutor to understand more information about each event. Knowing the differences between tenses and knowing how to use tenses correctly in English, you can bring your speech closer to native speakers.

So, speaking about Present Continuous, the question often arises: what is its difference from other present tenses. Let's figure this out.

Present Simple and Present Continuous

Comparative table of education Present Simple and Present Continuous.

The most frequently asked question is about the differences and the correct use of Present Simple and Present Continuous. The basic rule is the following:

Describes actions that usually occur or are an indisputable truth, that is, they are of a permanent nature.

• Present Continuous describes temporary, non-permanent events that are happening now, at the moment of speaking.

We hope that our table will help you systematize your knowledge of the present simple and present long tenses and figure out once and for all when to use each of these tenses.

comparison table usage Present Simple and Present Continuous

Present Continuous and Present Perfect Continuous

With these times, too, not everything is simple, although they are somewhat consonant in their names. But the word Perfect already says that the action began in the past, lasted for a certain period and has a result in the present.

In contrast to the Simple Long Time, in Present Perfect Continuous it is important not that the action is temporary and reflects the current process, but the process of its implementation in the past and, as a result, its result in the present.

Compare:

Wait, I'm trying to open the door(eng. Wait, I'm trying to open the door): now I'm trying, in the process of opening the lock, I'm trying - Present Continuous.

• I've been trying to open the door. bit it is still locked(rus. I tried to open the door, but it is still closed): I tried in the recent past, maybe still trying, but having a negative result, I've been trying -Present Perfect Continuous.

Comparative table of the use of Present Simple and Present Perfect Continuous

Instead of a conclusion

So we dismantled present continuous time- present continuous tense. In the lessons, you can consolidate in communication with the teacher all the rules that you just read about.

And to consolidate the knowledge gained now, we suggest that you perform several exercises.

Present Continuous exercises

Everyone knows that any new theoretical knowledge requires consolidation in practice. Below are a few exercises on Present Continuous, as well as to compare Present Continuous and Present Simple and Present Continuous with Present Perfect Continuous, so be careful when doing it. :)

Exercise 1: Open the brackets using Present Simple or Present Continuous:

Her brother (not to read) a book at the moment. He (to sleep) because he (to be) exhausted.

Lisa (not to cook) dinner at the moment. She (to talk) to a friend.

I (not to play) games now. I (to do) my English homework.

He (not to drink) tea in the evenings. He (to drink) tea in the mornings.

look! The baby (to sleep). The baby always (to sleep) after dinner.

I usually (to go) to work at seven o "clock every morning.

Who (to make) lunch for your children now?

You (to read) a magazine and (to think) about your holiday at the moment?

They (to be) good singers but they (not to go) to karaoke bars very often.

What are you (to talk) about right now?

You (to keep) to any special diet? - Well, I (not to think) it (to be) good to eat a lot of meat. I usually (to have) meat only once a week. I (to eat) lots of fruits and vegetables.

He (to learn) English now because he (to want) to get a better job.

Listen to those people! You (to understand) what language they (to speak)?

Your English (to get) better? Yes, I (to think) so.

1. She (to try) to lose weight, I (to think). She always (to have) light lunches.

Exercise 2: Open the brackets using Present Continuous or Present Perfect Continuous:

Linda_ __ (learn) German for four years.

Hello Bill. I_ __ (look) for you all morning. Where have you been?

Why_ __ (you/look) at me like that? Stop it!

Julia is a doctor. She_ ____ (work) in this hospital for three years.

I_ ____ (think) about what you said and I "ve decided to take your advice.

"Is Melissa on holiday this week?" "No, she_ ____ (work).

1. Sarah is very tired. She_ __ (work) very hard recently.

Exercise 3: Translate into English:

We go to Italy every summer.

What do you do on the weekends?

Let's stay at home - it's raining outside.

You always talk about your problems! I'm tired of this!

I think they are wrong.

Can you speak louder? I can not hear you!

You don't look very good. How do you feel?

What are you doing? I am thinking about our trip to Greece.

Where are you going? - I need to go to the bank.

I'm going to the store, do you want anything?

Do you like it there? Yes, I have a great time with my friends.

This dress doesn't fit me.

I don't like autumn! It rains constantly and the days are getting shorter and shorter.

The book consists of five chapters. I am currently reading the third one.

Looks like it's starting to rain...

Do you see this? It's incredible, I can't believe my eyes!

Lisa is very tired. She's been working so hard this week.

The weather is great! The sun is shining brightly and the birds are singing in the trees. We need to go outside now.

It's so beautiful! I love walking in this park so much! I feel so happy!

1. Well, here it is again! She always sings in the shower!

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Remember, at school, in the third grade, an English teacher showed you pictures in which people were doing various useful things, and asked in English: “What is he doing?”. And you answered: "He reads", "He helps his mother" or "He builds a birdhouse." On this acquaintance with Present Continuous for many of us ended.

Present Continuous, or present continuous tense, one of the basic tenses of the English language, starting from which you will build your system of tenses.

First, we will consider how the forms of this time are formed.

To form a statement, we need two components: auxiliary to be (am/ is / are - depending on the subject) and ending verb-ING.

* informational question with the word When ? is not set in Present Continuous, since the form itself to be + Ving indicates that the action is happening at the moment of speech, therefore, the question of time does not make sense.

At all times the group Continuous and in all types of statements there is an auxiliary verb to be and a semantic verb with the ending -ING.

How to add an ending -ING to verbs? When this ending is added to the verb, the spelling of the verb changes. There are a few rules to remember:

Now consider the use cases Present Continuous.

1. An action that occurs at the moment of speech. (Action in progress at the moment of speaking)

Present Continuous serves to express an action that is happening at the moment of speech, often in front of our eyes, that is, we can observe the process.

At the time of speech indicate such time indicators: now(now), at the moment(at present), still(still). Time pointers now and at the moment may not be used, because the form itself to be + Ving indicates that the action is happening right now, at the moment of speech.

In addition, words that serve to attract attention (look, listen, be careful, etc.), indicate that the action is happening at the moment of speech.

look! She is dancing! - Look! She is dancing!
Jim is still doing his homework. Jim is still doing his homework.
Be careful! The ladder is falling! - Carefully! The ladder is falling!

2. Temporary actions and states

States are actions that seem to be in progress at the time of speech, but we cannot see them. For example: live, work, study.

Using the Present Continuous in this sense, you are saying: “I’m doing it now, but it’s temporary, I don’t usually do it. When the action is completed, everything will return to its place".

Pointers: today, this week, these days, tonight, at present.

I'm living at my friend's while my flat is being redecorated. - I live with a friend while my apartment is being renovated. (This is a temporary action, the renovation will be completed and I will return to my apartment)

He likes science fiction but this month he is reading historical novels as it's the topic of this month. - He loves science fiction, but this month he is reading historical novels because that is the theme of this month. (The action is temporary, the topic will end and he will read fiction again)

She is working as a secretary these days. - AT given time she works as a secretary. (This is a casual job)

3. Changing and progressive actions (Changing or developing situations)

If you are watching any process and see the changes taking place, then you should use Present Continuous. Often used with comparative paired adjectives: more and more, better and better.

It is becoming a client and colder. - It's getting colder and colder.
The flowers are becoming more and more beautiful. - The flowers are getting more and more beautiful.
It is getting hotter. I will have a break. - It's getting hotter. I'll take a break.

4. Plans and agreements. (Arrangements)

The present continuous also has a future meaning. It can denote personal plans and arrangements for the near future. Often with indications of place and time. In Russian, we use the present tense in the same way to express the future action that we have planned:

Mr. Smith is leaving tomorrow at 11.00. - Mr. Smith leaves tomorrow at 11.00.
I am taking my exam tomorrow so I am studying tonight. - I'm taking the exam tomorrow, so I'm studying tonight.
We are meeting the manager tomorrow at 10 o'clock. We are meeting with the manager tomorrow at 10 o'clock.

5. At the beginning of the story to create an atmosphere. (Setting the scene)

If you are going to tell a story, you can use the Present Continuous to create a setting, to give the listeners an opportunity to imagine the situation. You can use the word Imagine(Imagine).

The Present Simple is used to describe the main events.

He is walking through the dark forest. It is raining and the wind is blowing. - He's walking through a dark forest. It's raining and the wind is blowing.
Imagine: you are in the garden. The sun shining is and the birds are singing. Imagine you are in a garden. The sun is shining and the birds are singing.

6. Frequently repeated actions to convey irritation or surprise (Annoying or surprising actions)

Always is considered a typical Present Simple marker, but this adverb can be used with the Present Continuous to express an action that is repeated too often: constantly, all the time. Such actions either irritate us or surprise us.

Except always, can be used constantly and continuously.

My sister is always leaving her dirty dishes on the table. My sister constantly leaves dirty dishes on the table.
You are constantly interrupting me! - You interrupt me all the time!
I am always meeting you in this shop. - I always meet you in this store.

Comparative characteristics present simple and Present Continuous you will find .

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