Present tense 1 – Present Continuous

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

The present continuous verb tense indicates that an action is happening now, and may continue into the future.

To form the present continuous, follow this formula:

2. Forming the present continuous

To Be [Am, Is, Are] + Verb [Present Participle]

(The form of the present participle is: base+ing, e.g. talking, playing, moving, smiling)

Note:

If subject of the sentence is “I“, then the auxiliary verb “am” will be used in sentence
If subject of the sentence is “He, She, It or Singular noun“, then the auxiliary verb “is” will be used in sentence
If subject of the sentence is “they, You or Plural noun“, then the auxiliary verb “are” will be used in sentence

2.1. Example

You are learning English now.
You are not swimming now.
Are you sleeping?

2.2. Affirmative and Negative Forms

Affirmative form : As its name indicates, the affirmative sentence states a reality, expressing existence.

She has invited us. (Affirmative)
It was raining. (Affirmative)
She can knit. (Affirmative

The negative verb forms are made by putting not after an auxiliary verb.

he has not invited us. (Negative)
It was not raining. (Negative)
She cannot knit. (Negative)

2.3. Interrogative Form

The interrogative is normal for many questions. It contains a verb phrase that is followed by a subject.

He does not work.
I do not like swimming.

3. Functions of the present continuous

As with all tenses in English, the speaker’s attitude is as important as the time of the action or event. When someone uses the present continuous, they are thinking about something that is unfinished or incomplete

The present continuous is used:

First, we use the present continuous for things that are happening at the moment of speaking. I’m working at the moment.
to describe an action that is going on during this period of time or a trend: Are you still working for the same company? More and more people are becoming vegetarian.
to describe an action or event in the future, which has already been planned or prepared: We are going on holiday tomorrow.
to describe a temporary event or situation: The weather forecast was good, but it’s raining at the moment.

4. Verbs that are not usually used in the continuous form

Senses / Perception:

to feel*
to hear
to see*
to smell
to taste

Mental states

to forget
to imagine
to know
to mean
to notice
to recognise
to remember
to understand

Opinion

to assume
to believe
to consider
to doubt
to feel (= to think)
to find (= to consider)
to suppose
to think*

Measurement

to contain
to cost
to hold
to measure
to weigh