Present Continuous in English. Present Continuous Tense or Present Continuous

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 formed? continuous tense . 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:

AT colloquial speech often used 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 associated with 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 is, as it were, 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.

Comparative table of the use of 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.

Unlike Simple Continuous in Present Perfect Continuous 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!

In contact with

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 "seem"), 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 - miss, 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.

affirmative form

Subject + to be (am, is, are) + Present Participle (infinitive without to ending -ing)

1. I am typing a message - I am writing a message (now).

• typing - infinitive type + ending -ing

2. Boris is playing the piano now - Boris is now playing the piano.

• playing - infinitive play + ending -ing
• now (now) - a word denoting the moment of speech

3. We are watching the football match - We are watching a football match (now).

• watching - infinitive watch + ending -ing

negative form

Subject + to be (am, is, are) + not + Present Participle (infinitive without to ending -ing)

1. I am not having a bath - I am not taking a bath (now).

• am - auxiliary verb to be
• not - negative particle
• having - infinitive have + ending -ing

2. It is not snowing - It's not snowing (now)

• is - auxiliary verb to be
• not - negative particle
• snowing - infinitive snow + ending -ing

3. My parents are not sleeping - My parents are not sleeping (now).

• are - auxiliary verb to be
• not - negative particle
• sleeping - infinitive sleep + ending -ing

Interrogative form

to be (am, is, are) + subject + Present Participle (infinitive without to ending -ing)

1. Is he cutting bread now? Is he cutting bread now? (general question)

• is - the auxiliary verb to be stands on first
• cutting - infinitive cut + ending -ing

2. Is the plane taking off right now? Is the plane taking off right now?

• is - the auxiliary verb to be stands on first place to form a question
• taking - infinitive take + ending -ing

3. Why are you shouting at him? Why are you yelling at him? (special issue)

• are - the auxiliary verb to be stands after question word why and before subject
• shouting - infinitive shout + ending -ing

#2 Cases of using Present Continuous

1. Long-term action, which happens at the moment of speaking.

• The cat is playing with its tail - The cat plays with its tail. (now, at the moment)
• Don't make a noise, Mary is work ing Don't make noise, Maria is working.

2. Long action continues now but not necessarily at the moment of speaking.

• I "m looking for a book the Codex Leicester - I'm looking for the book" Codex Leicester.

Present Continuous shows what in the present period of time human looking for this book, but usually (at all) he does not do this.

In this case, Present Simple is not used, since the meaning of such a sentence would be different.

I often buy history books - I often buy history books. (Present Simple expresses action, which usually happens. In this case, it is understood that a person usually buys historical books).

A few more similar examples.

• Have you heard about John? He is writing a book about bodybuilding – Heard about John? He is writing a book about bodybuilding. (currently, but not at the time of speaking)
• My brother is working on a new online shop - My brother is working on a new online store. (currently, but not at the time of speaking)

3. Action expression in future when it comes intention or pre-planned action.

• We are going to the cinema tonight - Tonight we are going to the cinema.
• Our manager is leaving London tomorrow - Our manager is leaving London tomorrow.

4. With words always(always), constantly(permanently), etc. The present continuous expresses an action that is repeated again and again. Usually in such sentences the speaker expresses impatience, disapproval.

• He is always losing his keys! He's always losing his keys!
• Why are you always criticizing her? Why are you always criticizing her?
• She is constantly stealing our images - She is constantly stealing our images.

5. Present Continuous is used to show change or trend.

• The weather is improving - The weather is improving.
• The climate is changing rapidly - The climate is changing rapidly.
• The cars are becoming more and more expensive - Cars are becoming more and more expensive.

#3 Turn TO BE GOING TO

The verb to go in Present Continuous + the infinitive forms a turnover to be going to that matters I'm going, I'm going.

• I am going to work with them - I'm going to work with them.
• She is going to complain to the manager about your behavior - She is going to complain to the manager about your behavior.
• How long are you going to wait for him? How long are you going to wait for him?
• We are going to invite her - We are going to invite her.

#4 Verbs that not used in Present Continuous

The verbs listed below not used in the times of the Continuous group. As a rule, these verbs are used in the times of the Indefinite group. This is explained by these verbs express feelings and states, not actions.

For example:

• I am wanting some coffee(wrong)
• I want some coffee (that's right)

We continue to study the times. Present Continuous is the simplest tense of all tenses in English.

Important for beginners!

"Don't overload" yourself with a list of 40 verbs, which are not used in the present continius. Why, more on that at the end of the article.

So, in simple terms:

- rules for using Present Continuous,
how to say a normal sentence in this tense,
- how to ask a question
- sentences with negation - "He does not do, does not sleep, etc.",
- video 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 are drinking. Do you drink.

We are eating. We are eating.
They are sitting. They are sitting.

Sentences with negation in Present Continuous

Before the verb in the -ing 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 is not driving now.
You are not playing. You don't play.

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'm working?
Is he driving? He is driving?
Is she smoking? She smokes? now.

Are you listening? You listen?
Are they cooking? They are cooking?
Are we speaking? We are speaking?

Answer options for the question

Yes, I am. No, I'm not. Yes I'm working. No, I smoke.

When to use Present Simple - 5 cases

Beginners learn English, for starters, just remember the very first basic rule.
All the other four, you will not use anywhere yet.

1. We speak in Present Continuous when we perform an action right now.

A friend calls you and asks: What are you doing? What are you doing? now.

Your reply:

I'm watching Youtube videos. I watch 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 continue for some time.
Indicator words: still, only.

I signed up for belly dancing.
A friend asks me: Are you still practicing dancing?
"Do you still go to dances?"

My answer: Yes, I am. Yes, I still go there.

3. Cases where there are precise 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 will watch a movie tomorrow.
I am meeting some friends after work. I'm meeting with my friends after work tomorrow.

I'm not going to the party tonight. I won't go to the party tonight.
Is he his visiting parents next weekend? Is he going to visit his parents next week?

We are going to Cuba in November. We are going to Cuba in November.
We are traveling to AU next year. Next year we will go to Australia.

4. The temporary state 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 people's behavior- both negative and positive ones that you like or DON'T like.
Indicator words: always, constantly.

He is always complaining. He constantly complains.
She is constantly helping people. She always helps people.

I'm always coming to class late. I'm late for class 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 your time learning all these verbs.
Three reasons.

1. The most compelling. 70% of them, oddly enough - not often, BUT are used by speakers in Present Continius. Take a look below for the list and examples I've put together.

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 teachers of English — nobody mentions these verbs in their materials. Why do you think? see the first two paragraphs.

I give a list of these unfortunate verbs solely for reference to beginners.
And below, examples, from the natives themselves.
As you can see, all words have a place to be in the Present Continuous form.

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 them?

I'm feeling that..

There are more tense forms in English than in Russian, which is why learning someone else's speech can be so difficult for our compatriots. In the great and mighty there is no such thing as a present continius, in other words, a real long time. But don't be afraid. If you understand this issue well, then no difficulties will arise.

Features of use

Present Continuous is sometimes difficult to distinguish from Present Simple. Both of these temporary forms describe the present, but the present simple is used when it comes to constantly repeating actions, and the continius - about those that are happening right now.

It is important to remember the difference when it is necessary to describe several incidents at the same time. Here the verb is put in the present simple tense if the actions follow one after the other. But if events occur simultaneously, the present continuous comes to the rescue.

Another important nuance concerns activities that are either planned or scheduled. When the interlocutor expresses his intention to do something, he uses the verb in the Present Continuous form, but if the event is indicated in the schedule, then they talk about it in Present Simple.

Such a small comparison will allow you to better navigate these two times.

The English present continius has significant differences that make it possible to distinguish it from other forms of the verb.

It is used when it is necessary to describe events that occur directly at the moment of speech. A vivid example: Tom is doing exercise now (Tom is now doing sports).

Present continius is used to describe an action that is not taking place at the moment, but in the present, still ongoing period of time. Consider an example: He is working on the program (He is working on the program). The point is that he does this not at a particular moment, but throughout the present period, which lasts and will soon end.

The same temporary form is used when describing a planned action that will happen soon. An example is the following phrase: We are arriving on Friday (We will arrive or are going to arrive on Friday).

Another option for using Present Continuous is to indicate repetitive actions that annoy or disapproval of the speaker. Adverbs can serve as catalysts constantly, always, repeatedly, which in this case are translated as "forever". A good example: You are constantly shouting at us (You are always shouting at us).

Education rules

To formulate sentences in the present continuum, it is necessary to use the verb "to be" in the appropriate form, which depends on the noun or pronoun used. It is to him in negative sentences that the particle "not" will be added.

Verbs in the present continuum end in -ing. In most cases, this inflection is attached to the word without changing it (say - saying). But if there is a mute "e" at the end of the infinitive, it must be omitted (make - making). In the case when the verb ends with a combination of a short vowel with a consonant, the exception is "x", last letter doubles (begin - beginning). Words that end in -ie change it to -y+ing (lie - lying).

There is a list of expressions that can serve as an indication of the Present Continuous. These are such as today, at the moment, this week, now and others.

There are a number of words that are not used in this tense. These are the so-called state verbs that convey sensations and feelings. They will also not take part in the formation of such a temporary form as a continuum. Here are some of the state verbs:

• be - to be;
• belong - to belong;
• consist - consist;
• cost - cost;
• envy - to envy;
• exist - to exist;
• hate - hate;
• hear - hear;
• love - to love;
• possess - possess;
• remember - remember;
• seem - seem;
• want - want.

The list of these words is much longer, and you need to carefully read them in order to eliminate errors in your speech.

Formation of affirmative sentences

Strictly established word order - that's what the English language can be proud of. Present continius does not introduce dissonance into this rule. His sentences are built according to the same principle: the subject, followed by the semantic verb with the corresponding ing ending, followed by the rest

Consider the picture and describe the actions that the characters perform according to the scheme placed in the table.

• I am driving (I'm driving).
• Tom is laughing (Tom laughs).
• We are playing (We are playing).
• Dad is skating (Dad is skating).
• You are singing (You sing).
• Lena is running (Lena is running).

Formation of negation

Turning an affirmative sentence into a negative one is very simple, just add the particle "not" to the verb "to be".

• I am not / can be shortened to I’m not / driving (I don’t drive).
• Tom is not /isn't/ laughing (Tom doesn't laugh).
• We are not /aren't/ playing (They don't play).

Interrogative sentences

To put a general question, the answer to which can be an agreement or a denial (yes / no), it is enough to bring "to be" forward.

• Am I driving (I drive)?
• Is dad skating?
• Are you singing?

It is also not difficult to formulate a special question, which would be the method or quality of the action, you need to add the corresponding interrogative word to the previous form.

• How am I driving?
• When is dad skating?
• What are you singing?

Exercises

You need to convert the infinitive to the Present Continuous verb and choose correct form for "to be":

a) She /to read/ a magazine now (She is reading a newspaper now).

b) Linda /to sit/ at the piano (Linda is sitting at the piano).

c) He /to do/ his homework (He does his homework).

d) They /to play/ baseball (They play baseball).

e) I still /to write/ a message (I am still writing a message).

f) We /to have/ dinner now (Now we are having lunch).

g) It still /to rain/ (It's still raining).

h) It /to snow/ now (It is snowing).

i) The girl /to draw/ a picture (The girl draws a picture).

j) You /to speak/ to me now (You are talking to me now).

It is necessary to put affirmative sentences in the interrogative and negative form:

A. I am studying (I am studying).

B. We are playing ball (We play ball).

C. They are eating now (They are eating now).

D. We are resting now (We are resting now).

E. She is sleeping (She is sleeping).

Translate into English the following phrases:

1. She's riding a bike.
2. You are always late!
3. Where are they resting now?
4. We don't have breakfast.
5. What is he doing now?

Present continius is a popular and easy enough to learn temporary form. To avoid mistakes when using it, it is enough to remember the cases in which it is used, to know the methods of its formation and the few verbs that are not used in it.