What does the present continuous mean. Present Continuous Tense - present continuous tense in English

Present Continuous seems incomprehensible to many students, because there is no such analogue in our native language. Let's see how the present long time is formed and in what cases it is used in order to make friends with it once and for all.

The present continuous (Present Continuous) in some textbooks is called Present Progressive - remember that these are the same thing. Most often, the Present Continuous describes an action that takes place over a period of time in the present. But this time has other functions as well. We will show you how to use it correctly depending on the specific situation.

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Present Continuous time is formed according to the scheme:

In order not to make a mistake in writing a verb with the ending -ing, pay attention to the following rules:

if the verb ends in a vowel -e, then it is omitted: bake - baking;
when the verb ends in vowels -ie, they change to -y: tie - tying;
if the verb ends in one consonant letter, before which there is a stressed vowel, then the consonant letter at the end is doubled: let - letting, begin - beginning, regret - regretting.

Affirmative sentence:

She is petting her dog now. - She is now strokes your dog.

In a negative sentence, the particle not is placed between the auxiliary and main verbs.

She is not (isn't) petting her dog now. - She is now does not iron your dog.

In an interrogative sentence, the auxiliary verb comes first, followed by the subject and the main form of the verb.

Is she petting her dog now? - She is now strokes your dog?

Below you can see how the Present Continuous is formed in affirmative, negative and interrogative sentences.

Cases of using Present Continuous

Consider examples of the use of Present Continuous, starting with the simplest and gradually moving towards more complex ones.

For beginner and intermediate levels

The Present Continuous is used to describe an action that is happening at the current time:
Listen! The music is playing. - Listen! Music plays.
Hush! The kids are sleeping. - Shh! Children are sleeping.
In such a situation, marker words are often found: now (now), right now (at this very minute), at the moment (at the moment), at present (at present). These are some kind of pointers to the present continuous tense.
Steve is watching TV at the moment. - Now Steve looks TV set.
The present continuous is used to describe ongoing actions in the present, even if they are not happening at the moment of speaking. That is, for some time we periodically perform this action:
Jessica is learning French. - Jessica teaches French. (she has been studying French for a while now and will continue to learn it, but she is not busy learning French right now)
In this situation, such present continuous marker words as now, these days, currently are also often found. They are translated "now", "currently".
Pete is currently training to participate in the Olympics. - Pete currently training to participate in the Olympic Games. (he is currently training and will continue until the Olympics, but right now he is not in training)
Present Continuous is used to describe the changes that occur in a situation and the development process. In such constructions, the action is often conveyed by the verbs to get (become), to increase (increase / increase), to decrease (decrease / decrease), to rise (rise), to fall (fall), to start (start / begin), to change (change / change), etc.
An average day temperature is slowly increasing. - Average temperature gradually increases.
The petrol is getting cheaper day by day. - Fuel every day getting cheaper.
The present continuous can be used to indicate events in the near future, but only if it concerns planned actions. The future in such sentences is indicated by time, days of the week or the words tomorrow (tomorrow), next week (next week), next month (next month), next year (next year).
Cris is buying a new phone tomorrow. - Tomorrow Chris will buy new phone. (he has already chosen a model, put money on the phone)
We are flying to India next week. - Next week we we fly to India. (the trip is already planned, the tickets are bought, the trip will definitely take place)
Speaking about the near future, we often use verbs of motion: to go (to go), to leave (to leave), to come (to come). These verbs show that the action will be performed immediately or in the near future.
I don't feel well. I am going to bed. - I do not feel myself well. I I'm going sleep. (I will take this action immediately)
I "m coming in 5 minutes. Can you meet me up? - I I will come In 5 minutes. Will you meet me? (I'm already on my way and I'll be right back.)
Present Continuous helps to express dissatisfaction or irritation when using it with the words constantly (constantly), all the time (all the time), always (always). So we show that some regular or frequently occurring action causes negative emotions.
Susan is always leaving her coffee mug in the sink. - Susan constantly leaves your coffee cup in the sink. (action is performed regularly, and the speaker is unhappy with this situation)
There are verbs that are not used in Present Continuous. We are talking about state verbs (stative verbs), which express feelings and thought processes: to know (to know), to forget (to forget), to notice (to notice), to understand (to understand), to recognize (to learn), to remember ( remember), to love (to love), to hate (to hate), to want (to want), to need (to need), to believe (to believe), to hear (to hear), etc.
I know which bus to take to get home. - I I know which bus to take to get home. (knowledge is my state, not action)

For high level

The present continuous tense in English can also be used in the following situations:

There are verbs that in one sense are state verbs and cannot be used in the present continuous tense, and in another sense act as action verbs and can be used in Present Continuous. Let's look at examples:
to think - consider, believe (state) and to think - reflect (action)
to see - see (state) and to see - meet, see (action)
to have - to have (state) and to have as part of a stable expression, for example, to have breakfast (have breakfast), to have a good time (have a good time)
I think it is a nice jacket. - I I think that this is a good jacket. (it's my opinion)
What are you thinking about? - what are you talking about think? (At the moment)
The use of the Present Continuous form with some state verbs (to attract - to attract, to like - to like, to love - to love) is possible when the speaker wants to emphasize the temporality of his feelings.
Usually I don't like music festivals, but I am loving this one. - I usually do not like music festivals, but this one is me adore. (the speaker emphasizes that he likes this particular festival now.)
We use some verbs that describe thought processes (to realize - to realize, to understand - to understand, to regret - to regret), we use in Present Continuous to emphasize that we have just begun to think about something and have not yet formed our final opinion.
I "m realizing how wrong I was. - I began to understand how was wrong.
Verbs that describe physical sensations (to feel - to feel, to hurt / to ache - to hurt) can be used both in Present Simple and Present Continuous without much difference in meaning.
I am feeling sad today. = I feel sad today. - I'm sad today.
my head is teaching. = My head ache. - I have a head hurts.
We can also use the static verb to be in Present Continuous if we want to emphasize that a person’s behavior is uncharacteristic for him.
He is being weird after he lost his job. - He acting strange after he lost his job. (i.e. it usually behaves differently)
We can use the Present Continuous and Present Simple tenses together to make our story sound more dynamic. In this case, the action in the Present Simple takes place against the background of the action in the Present Continuous, interrupting it and creating a sense of suddenness.
two guys are walking through a game park and they come across a lion that has not eaten for days. - Two boys go through the wild animal park, when they suddenly stumble on a lion that hasn't eaten in days.

How not to confuse Present Continuous and Present Simple

It is worth considering the most common situations in which one time from the Present group can be mistaken for another:

Present Continuous is used to describe situations and actions that the speaker considers temporary. Present Simple describes situations that the speaker perceives as permanent.
Linda is working at the ice cream shop during summer. - Summer Linda works in an ice cream shop. (when summer ends, Linda will no longer work at this place)
Sam works as a manager at the ice cream shop. - Sam works manager at an ice cream shop. (this is his regular job)
If we are describing repetitive actions that are related to the present moment, we use the Present Continuous. And if they are not connected with the present moment, we use Present Simple.
I "m speaking with my mom a lot these days. - Recently, I often I say with mom on the phone. (there is a connection with the current moment)
I speak with my aunt who lives in New York twice a year. - Twice a year talking with his aunt who lives in New York. (no connection to the present moment)
The Present Continuous describes an action that is happening at the present moment. Present Simple is used to describe facts that remain true at any given time.
Kathy is speaking with her father at the moment. - Now Katy He speaks with his father. (she is speaking at the present time, the conversation will be over)
Kathy speaks English. - Katy He speaks in English. (she can speak English, this statement remains a fact at any given time)

We suggest taking a test to consolidate the rules for using Present Continuous.

Test on the topic "Present Continuous - Present Continuous in English"

affirmative form Present Continuous (Present Continuous) is formed using the auxiliary verb to be in the present tense (am, is, are) and the infinitive without to with the end -ing(Participle I - participle I or present participle). This can be represented as a formula:

to be (changeable part am, is, are) + infinitive without to (speak) + -ing speak+ink=speaking

I am speaking now.
She is speaking now.
They are speaking now.

Note:
Verbs expressing feelings of perception and mental activity, as well as some other verbs, are not used in the Continuous tenses. This: to want - to want, to like- like to love- be in love, to wish - want, to see- see, to hear- hear, to feel - feel, to notice- notice, to remember - remember, to recognize- learn to forget- forget, to seem - seem, to be- be and etc.

negative form formed by adding a negative not to the auxiliary verb to be.

I am not working. I do not work.
He is not working. He does not work.
We are not working. We do not work.
They are not working. They do not work.

a) the auxiliary verb to be (am, is, are) is reduced, the negation of not remains unchanged.

I'm not working now. I am not working right now.
He's not working now. It doesn't work now.
You're not working now. You are not working now.

b) the negative particle not merges with the auxiliary verb, the letter o drops out:

Not isn't working now. It doesn't work now.
We aren't writing now. We are not writing now.

Interrogative form formed by rearranging the auxiliary verb and the subject - auxiliary verb to be placed before the subject.

Is he writing now? Is he writing now?
Are they reading? They are reading?

If there is a question word, it is placed before the auxiliary verb to be.

What are you doing now? What are you doing now?
Where is he working? Where he works?

Note:
If two verbs in Present Continuous have the same subject and are combined with a union and, then the auxiliary verb before the second, main, verb in Continuous is omitted.

She is sitting on the bench now and talking with Mr. brown.
Now she is sitting on a bench talking to Mr. Brown.

Writing rules

If the verb ends with one letter -e, then before -ing this -e omitted: hat e-hat ing, so e- so ing.
If the verb ends in -ee, then there is no change. The ending -ing added to the main verb: see - see ing, agree - agree ing.
If there is a short vowel before the final consonant, then when adding the ending -ing the final consonant is doubled: run - run n ing, swim-swim m ing.
If the verb consists of two or more syllables and the last syllable, which consists of one vowel before the final consonant, is stressed, then the final consonant is doubled: begin - begin n ing, admit - admit t ing.

Checkmate:

enter - entering (the stress on the last syllable does not fall);
last letter -l after a vowel (if there is only one vowel) in the British version it is always doubled, regardless of the stress: travel - travelling, signal - signaling.

Conjugation of the verbs to work, to write in Present Continuous

Use

Present Continuous is used:

1. To express an action that is happening at the present moment of speech, which is implied from the context or expressed by words such as now - now, at (the) present (moment) - at present, at this moment - At the moment etc.

What are you doing (now)? - What are you doing now)?
I am cooking. Come and have supper with us. Cooking (in the kitchen). Come join us for dinner.

Note:
In principle, the presence of words denoting the moment of speech in an English sentence is not necessary, since the form of tense itself shows that the action takes place at the moment of speech. In Russian, the coincidence of an action with the moment of speech is either clear from the context, or is specified by the words now, at the moment, etc.

2. To express a continued action that does not necessarily occur at the moment of a conversation, but is permanent.

I am reading a novel by K. Simonov.
I am reading a novel by K. Simonov. (Action in progress, extended over time.)
They are learning two foreign languages at the new gymnazium.
In the new gymnasium they study two foreign languages.
Not teaching English and learning French. He teaches English and studies French.

3. To express a pre-planned, planned action that will take place in the future, often the nearest.

Are you doing anything tonight? Are you doing anything tonight?
Yes, I am going to my judo class and (I’m) meeting my friends afterwards.
Yes, I go to judo classes, then I meet my friends. (So planned.)
She is leaving at the end of the week. She leaves at the end of the week. (So planned, decided.)

4. With an adverb always to express a constantly repeated action that causes irritation, condemnation and even indignation in the speaker.

Not is always going away for weekends. He's always away for the weekend.

Compare:
not always goes away for weekends. He always goes away for the weekend.

The use of Simple Present / Present Indefinite instead of Present Continuous changes the emotional attitude of the speaker to what is happening and is perceived by the latter as a normal normal phenomenon, as a fact of action.

The present continuous is usually not used:

1. With verbs expressing feelings of perception: to see - see, to hear- hear, to notice- notice, to smell- smell, to feel - feel, to recognize- learn, to listen (to) - listen, to watch- observe.

But: Present Continuous is used:

a) with the verb to see in the meaning of “meet on business”, in the meaning of “visit” some places associated with tourism, and also in the meaning of “take care of”.

The director is seeing the applicants this morning. The principal is meeting with the applicants this morning.
Is not seeing the sights. He'll be back later. He's sightseeing. He will return later.
Is not seeing about tickets for tonight. He's getting tickets for tonight.

b) with the verbs to listen, to look, to watch and sometimes to smell, if an intentional action is expressed.

Why are you looking at this furcoat? Why are you looking at this coat?
It's far too expensive. I see one in the corner that would suit you much better. She's too expensive. I see a fur coat in the corner that suits you better.
Don't disturb him now, he is listening to the "radio-fact". Don't disturb him, he's listening, radio fact.

c) with the verb to hear meaning "to receive information about something or from someone."

I've been hearing about this accident.
I heard (learned) all about this accident.

2. With verbs expressing emotions: to want - to want, to desire - want, to refuse - refuse, to forgive- forgive, to wish - want, to hate- hate, to like- like to love- be in love.

BUT: With the verb to like in the meaning of "like" Present Continuous is used.

How are you liking this hot weather? How do you like this heat?
Are you liking this nice trip on the sea? Do you enjoy this magnificent journey by sea?
Yes, I love it. Yes, I like it very much).
(No, I hate it). (No I do not like.)

3. With verbs expressing thought processes, etc.: to understand - understand, to know- know, to remember - remember, to believe - believe, to expect- expect, to suppose - believe, assume, to recollect - recall, to trust - trust.
4. With verbs expressing belonging: to own - have, to belong- belong, to possess - own.
5. With verbs to seem - seem, to signify - to express, to appear- appear, to contain - contain, to consist - consist, to keep- keep, to concern - worry, to matter - to mean.

The modal verb can (could) in English expresses the physical ability, ability, ability to perform an action and is translated to be able (I can, I can, you can, etc.). The equivalent of the verb can is the combination to be able (to) - to be able. The verb can is followed by an infinitive without to.

Hello! If you are interested in the rules for the formation and use of time Present Continuous in English, then you've come to the right place! I will tell you what Present Continuous time is, I will explain the nuances of the formation and use of this time, and for clarity, I will give many examples.

What is Present Continuous Tense?

Present Continuous Tense (Present Continuous) is a tense form of a verb that describes an action or state that is going on at the moment of speech. That is, Present Continuous Tense shows actions and states in progress! This is how it differs from the simple present tense (Present Simple Tense).

There is no analogue for Present Continuous Tense in Russian. It provides only one temporary form for the present tense, which expresses both shades of simple and long tense. Let's see this with an example:

Present continuous: You are speaking Spanish - You speak Spanish. (Meaning you are speaking Spanish at the moment.)

Present Simple: You speak Spanish. - You speak Spanish. (Meaning you can speak Spanish at all.)

As you can see, in Russian the same form of the verb conveys different shades of the present tense. Time Present Continuous

Rules for the formation of Present Continuous Tense

The Present Continuous is difficult. It is formed with an auxiliary verb to be in Present Simple Tense (am, are, is) and present participles of the main verb (verb ending -ing).

When forming the present participle (Present Participle), it is important to know the following rules:

If the verb ends in an unpronounceable -e, then it goes down:

to drive e— driving
to give e- giving

If the verb ends in a consonant after the stressed syllable, the consonant is doubled:

sit − si tt ing
to stop-sto pp ing
to forget-forge tt ing

If the verb ends with -l preceded by a vowel, then -l always doubles (in the American version, this rule is not respected).

to travel-trave ll ing
to fulfil - fulfi ll ing

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

to l ie—l y ing
to d ie- d y ing

Formation of the affirmative form:

subject + to be in Present Simple (am, are, is) + Present Participle of the main verb (V + ing)

Formation of the interrogative form:

to be in Present Simple (am, are, is) + subject + Present Participle of the main verb (V + ing)

Formation of the negative form:

subject + to be in Present Simple (am, are, is) + negation of not + Present Participle of the main verb (V + ing)

Conjugation table of the verb to starve in Present Continuous Tense

Number	Face	affirmative form	Interrogative form	negative form
Unit h.	1 2 3	I am (I "m) starv ing You are (You're) starv ing He/She/It is (He "s/ She's/ It's) starv ing	Am I starv ing? Are you starv ing? Is he/ she/ it starv ing?	I am (I "m) not starv ing You are not (aren "t) starv ing He/She/It is not (isn "t) starv ing
Mn. h.	1 2 3	We are (We're) starv ing You are (You're) starv ing They are (They're) starv ing	Are we starv ing? Are you starv ing? Are they starv ing?	We are not (aren "t) starv ing You are not (aren "t) starv ing They are not (aren "t) starv ing

I advise you to carefully study this table as a cliché, where you will then substitute other verbs.

Not all English verbs are used in the long tense. Verbs that denote desires, thoughts, states, feelings, as a rule, are not used in the Present Continuous form. You can find a more detailed list of such verbs in the article: Present Simple tense in English

When can I use Present Continuous

Present Continuous Tense is used:

1. When expressing an action that is happening at the moment (now). Very often in such sentences there are circumstances of time by which the Present Continuous Tense can be accurately determined. For example:

now - now
at the moment - at the moment

Don't you smell something is burning? "Don't you feel that something is on fire?"
What are you talking about now? - What are you talking about now?

2. When expressing an action or state that lasts in the present tense (the action has already begun and has not yet ended), but not necessarily related to this moment of speech:

Sorry but I can't lend you this book because I'm reading it myself. — I'm sorry, but I can't lend you this book, because. I'm reading it myself right now.
I'm studying at the university. - I study at University.

3. When expressing any inclination or permanent habit (usually negative). In such sentences, the verb expresses impatience or disapproval and is often accompanied by adverbs:

always - always
constantly - constantly
all the time - all the time

She is always coming too late! She always comes too late!
I'm constantly wearing with my teachers. I constantly argue with my teachers.

4. When expressing actions planned for the near future. In such sentences, verbs of motion are very often used:

to come - go
to move - move
to leave - leave
to stay - stay
to return - return
to start - start

and expressions:

to have guests - have guests
to give a party - make a party

I am giving a birthday party tomorrow. Tomorrow I'm having a birthday party.
They are leaving us this afternoon. They are leaving us tonight.

Note!

The combination of the verb to go in Present Continuous Tense with the infinitive form of another verb also expresses the intention to perform an action in the near future:

why are you going to change your flat? Why are you going to change your apartment?
I'm going to present him to my parents. “Seo is going to introduce him to my parents.

6. When expressing an action that takes place simultaneously with another action expressed in Present Simple Tense. That is, in a subordinate clause of time or a condition after conjunctions.

And again we will talk about grammar, but today we will look at theory with a more practical bias. The topic of the lesson is the aspect of the present continuous tense and everything connected with it: the laws of education, situations of use and, of course, present continuous examples. It is on them that the focus of today's material will be exposed. Immersion in practice is the most effective way to work out the theory to automatism. Let us examine in detail each type of proposal, emphasizing the features of its construction.

The present continuous tense in English is used to indicate actions and events taking place right now or in a strictly limited period of time. Consider the rules and find out how to make sentences in the present continuous with a different semantic connotation.

Statements

The predicates present continuous tense are complex two-element constructions in which the first part is expressed by the verb to be, and the second by the present participle, i.e. ing verb form. Wherein tobe also varies in numbers and persons. The generalized scheme of a positive statement, i.e. when it comes to the execution of an action, it looks like this.

Jack (1) is (2) riding (3) this horse (4) – Jackrideson thethishorses.

To successfully use the aspect of the present continius, you need to confidently navigate in the forms to be and be able to form ing verbs. Both topics are covered in detail on our website, so if you are not sure of your knowledge, we recommend that you first familiarize yourself with the functions and forms of to be, as well as the laws of joining –ing endings.

And now we will work out the formation of affirmative constructions of the present continuous, having considered examples of 10 sentences with translation. All expressions are taken from everyday English speech.

callbacklater, Jessica is taking ashowernow– Call back later, Jessica now accepts shower.
Iknowyou are smiling rightnowI know that right now you smiling .
the sun is shining brightly todayTodayverybrightlyshines sun.
right now we are learning present continuous tense in English -Straightnowwestudying the present prolonged time in English language.
While I am cleaning the room, my brother is washing our carTillII'm cleaning up inroom,mybrotherwashes ourcar.
My pants are still drying on the clothes lineMytrousersallmoredry on thelinenrope.
He is currently looking for apartments to rent–Heasonceinthemomentlooking for removableapartment.
I am preparing a report at the momentATrealmomentIpreparing report.
2017 is coming to an end – 2017yearfits toend.
They are leaving at 2 o'clock -They areare leaving intwo hours.

Please note that the predicates of this aspect of time are translated into Russian with imperfective verbs, since an unfinished process is indicated.

Negation

If you add the negative particle not to the predicate, then the affirmative sentence will change to a negative statement.

Jack (1) is (2)not(3) riding (4) this horse (5) – Jackrideson thethishorses.

At the same time, the added particle often merges with the verb to be, forming abbreviated constructions: aren’t / isn’t. Consider how negative sentences are built on the aspect of the present continuous, using the example of 10 sentences.

She isn't looking for a new jobShe isnot looking for newwork.
I am not teaching German at presentATthe presenttimeInot I teach Deutschlanguage.
You aren't singing old songs nowNowyounot perform oldsongs.
Mymobilephone isn't 't working now– My mobile phone is now does not work .
They aren't 't sending theseemails- They are do not send these emails.
Atthemomenthe isn't 't still playing football- At the moment he is still does not play in football.
They aren't 't telling thetruthaboutthiscase- They are don't tell the truth about this case.
I am not leaving at 3 o'clock -Inot leaving inthreehours.
The laptop isn't charging right now-Straightnowa laptopnot charging .
Now they aren't watching TV, but they are playing computers games-Nowtheynot watching TV set,buttheyplay incomputergames.

It is worth noting that for the pronoun I there is also the use of the abbreviated form I'mnot.

Questions

The most numerous type of statements are interrogative sentences. A long time has six varieties of expressions with a question mark. To begin with, we will analyze the general questions of the present continuous and examples of sentences of this type.

General questions are a kind of clarifying sentences that can be confirmed or refuted by a short answer. To build such a question, you just need to move the form to be to the beginning of the sentence.

Is(1) Jack(2) riding (3)this horse (4)? – Jackrideson thethishorses?

A short answer will consist of the words Yes / No and a pronoun with the form to be.

yes, he is – Yes,rides. no, he isn't 't - No, it doesn't ride.

To master the design, we will work out 10 sentences with questions and short answers.

Are you drawing your favorite cartoon character? - yes, we are. — You draw your favorite cartoon character? Yes, we draw.
Is she learning Chinese now? - no, she isn't. — She is now studies Chinese? Not,notstudies.
Am I writing it? - yes, you are. — I I write down This ? Yes, you are recording.
Are you reading the Idiot by Dostoevsky now? - no, I am not. — You reading "Idiot" Dostoevsky? No, I don't read.
Is he repairing your car at the moment? - no, he isn't . — At the moment he repairs your car? - No, it doesn't.
Are they following us? - yes, they are . — They are follow behind us? Yes, they follow.
Am I doing this exercise? - yes, you are . — I I'm doing this exercise? Yes, you do.
Is she burning these papers? - no, she isn't . — She is burns these papers? No, it doesn't burn.
Are we preparing project documentation? - yes, we are . — We preparing project documentation? Yes, preparing. — Is match starting right now? - no, it isn't. — Match starts right now? No, it doesn't start.

If we put a choice of two options for a general question, then we will already get an alternative question. Its design is the same, only by the union or add an additional part.

Are you leaving at 6 or 7 a.m.? -You leaving in 06 or in 07 hours morning?
Is he cooking meat or fish now? -He now trains meat or fish?

Questions with special interrogative words, which displace the verb to be from the first place, have a more interesting demeanor. They stand at the beginning of the phrase, and after them comes the typical construction of a general question. Consider examples of questions on the present continuous with special question words.

why is she continuing to do it again? -Whyshe iscontinued makeThisagain?
Where are they walking now? -Wheretheynowwalk ?

But the interrogative words what and who form a separate type of questions - specification of the subject. Therefore, they, in fact, have the order of approval, only in the first place, instead of the performer of actions, there is a question word.

Who is calling you? -Whoyoucalling ?
What is playing atthemoviesthisweek? - What show in theaters this week?

In colloquial speech, one can often find negative questions expressing an emotional attitude to the subject of conversation.

Isn't she complaining of her life? -Isshe isnot complains on themya life?
Aren 't you enjoying thisparty? – Are you not happy this party?

And the last grammatical construction is disjunctive questions. They consist of two parts: the first is a regular statement, and the second, separated by a comma, is an additional question. Moreover, the meaning of the question is directly opposite to the meaning of the first part of the sentence.

They are speaking Polish, aren't 't they ? - They are they say in Polish, right?
He isn't 't growing tomatoes, is he ? - He does not grow tomatoes, right?

The grammatical structure has been studied, it remains to deal with the scope of this aspect.

The use of the present continuous

In addition to denoting processes that are happening right now or at a specified time, the present continius has several more uses.

Often there are suggestions to use the present continuous as a description of negative actions that are repeated by someone from time to time. These can be bad habits, demeanor, absent-mindedness, etc.

Pamela is constantly talking about her babyPamelaconstantlychatting abouthisbaby!
I am always losing my pens-Ialwayslosing theirpens!

With the help of a sustainable turnover to be going to, this aspect is used to denote events planned for the near future.

This year we are going to buy a new carWere going buy newcarinthisyear.
TomorrowI am going to send apost cardtomyrelatives- Tomorrow I going to send a postcard to your relatives.

When it comes to changing events, evolving technologies, etc. you can also use the present continuous aspect. In such expressions, it will have a generalized meaning.

young people are watching movies on the Internet these daysATis ourtimethe youthlooks films onthe Internet.

It is equally important to note situations in which the continius is never used. We are talking about a rather extensive list of static verbs that do not take the ing form. See the next article for a complete list.

Present continuous (Present Continuous) - present prolonged tense of English verbs, which can also be called present progressive (Present Progressive). A very common form of the verb, has no analogue in Russian, but is not particularly difficult to understand.

Present Continuous, as a separate tense, is not indicated in Russian, so at first it causes some embarrassment, however, they usually quickly get used to it, especially after several dozen exercises (see at the end of the article).

First, a small digression from the topic to talk about the grammar textbook, according to which we will now study the present continius. This tutorial is recognized as the best of all time: English Grammar in Use » Murphy. Anyone who has ever held this book in their hands understands this very well. The textbook was already so well, conveniently structured that I immediately wanted to do English grammar. Now it has been released in the fourth edition, it has become even better, it is also now online, it is much more convenient, since it is voiced.

There are also video tutorials, one of which, on the topic of present continius, we will now see. Then you can follow the link at the end of the video and try to study the textbook online - there is a free trial period. Everything is very clear and convenient.

By the way, a special free application has been published for tablets and smartphones. So you can learn English grammar anytime, anywhere. Learn from the best materials, you are wasting your precious time, you need to spend it efficiently.

Rules for using Present continius

Present continuous present (Present Continuos) in Anna's explanation in English (in Russian, see Sentences (examples)):

Formation Table Present Continuous (Present Continuous)

In order to understand new material well, we sometimes need to get explanations from different people. In addition, we are all so different that everyone generally needs to find their own personal best explanation.

So watch another lesson Irina Shipilova- this young girl has amazing energy, such contagious lessons, I think that she will best explain to someone the present continius (Present Continuous)

Sentences (examples) of using Present Continuous

1. The action is happening right now at the moment of the conversation, it is not finished (activity in progress).

Don't interrupt me. I'm working.
Why aren't you working?
Alice is writing a book.
We are going for a walk.
He is not drinking.
I'm stressing about my test.
She is texting a message.

2. Temporary activity

We are living in a hotel until we can find a house to buy.
You are being very silly today. Usually you are so sensible.

3. Possibly incomplete activity.

Sometimes the present continius is used when an action is not taking place at the moment of the conversation, but it is understood that it is taking place in principle. This explains the book example well: you started reading a book, you are not specifically reading it now, but since you have not finished it yet, you will continue to read, so feel free to say

I'm reading the book.
We are building the house.
They are studying languages.

4. Present continuous (Present Continuous) is used with words like: today, this week, this year:

You are working hard today/ this week/ this year

Exceptions.

There are four groups of state verbs that are rarely used in the present continuum, as they have the idea of permanence and finality.

These are state of mind verbs: believe, think, assume, consider, understand, suppose, expect, agree, know, remember, forget
Emotion verbs: like, love, detest, envy, hate, hope, prefer, wish, want
Verbs of belonging and being: belong, own, depend, contain, cost, seem, apper, need, have
Feeling verbs: see, hear, taste, smell

However, if these verbs express an activity rather than a state, they can be used in the present continuum, for example:

I'm seeing Polly this afternoon ("see" means "meet")
I'm tasting the pasta to see if it needs more salt (express an activity)
She is expecting a baby (she is pregnant)

And if you want to explain Present Continuous to your kids, show them this funny cartoon, at the same time practice yourself, there are many examples of use

As a gift for the studied material

with the use of Present Continuous (Present Continuous) for you. Well, below are the exercises - check how you know the material.

Exercises (tests) for understanding

1. Present continius (elementary level) 10 questions

Choose the correct answer

Start Quiz