Support table for the formation of the affirmative form of the Present Continuous tense in English language

Let's first take a look at the How is Present Continuous Tense formed?. It refers to compound times, since even in affirmative sentences 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 forms am, is, are. An ending is added to the main verb, which will denote the action being performed. -ing.

Remember!

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

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

I am reading a book(Russian: I'm reading a book): I- subject, am- auxiliary verb (agrees with the subject), reading .

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

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

Examples of affirmative sentences in the 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 a sentence contains homogeneous predicates, 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 Selly spend the evening together, they watch TV).

Rules for adding -ing ending to Present Continuous

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

During education Present Continuous Tense By general rule we add an ending to the verb -ing. However, there are a number of verbs that require a slight transformation when adding such an ending.

Let's consider basic rules for adding -ing ending for the formation of Present Continuous.

Rule #1

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

make - making, drive - driving

Rule #2

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

swim - swimming, stop - stopping

However, there is no need to double the consonant if the verb ends in -w or -x:

sew - sewing, fix - fixing

Rule #3

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

put-put, regret - regretting

Rule #4

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

lie - lying, die - dying

What verbs cannot be used in the 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 the Present Continuous Tense. These verbs include the so-called State/Stative/Non-action Verbs(Russian verbs of state). However, there are exceptions with these verbs.

For example, the following verbs are not used in Continuous tenses because they themselves somehow denote some process:

English verbs related to perception (notice, hear, see, feel...)

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

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

verbs of possession (have, possess, belong...)

verbs of existence (be, exist, consist of...)

• other verbs (fit, deserve, matter...)

Verbs that cannot be used in the Continuous

For such verbs the tense is used Present Simple instead of Present Continuous. Compare:

Right: Many people believe in the existence of UFOs(Russian. Many people believe in the existence of UFOs)

• Wrong: Many people are believing in the existence of UFOs(Russians 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(Russian. I believe that she is a very good student)

• I’m still considering (= studying) all the pros and cons(Russian: I'm still learning the pros and cons)

In some cases, the change in the meaning of verbs is unimportant, and emotional coloring allows the use of a verb in the Continuous form:

Negative and interrogative sentences in the Present Continuous

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

Students learning English often believe that formation of negative and interrogative forms in the Present Continuous occurs more easily than in .

You, of course, remember that when forming negations and questions in the Present Simple, an auxiliary verb is added do or does, and the main verb is used without ending -(e)s. In contrast, the Present Continuous already has an auxiliary verb am/is/are even in affirmative form, that is, you don’t have to think about which auxiliary verb to use.

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

Formation of the negative form 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 negations. The ending -ing in a semantic verb always remains unchanged.

Remember!

To form negative sentences in the Present Continuous to the auxiliary verb am/is/are a negative particle is added 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 the Present Continuous

In conversation, preference is always given to abbreviated forms, unless the speaker wishes to give emotional emphasis to the negative: 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 the Present Continuous

Word order in interrogative sentences for the Present Continuous is no different from other tenses. Auxiliary am/is/are always comes before the subject, and the semantic verb has an ending -ing after 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 question word comes first, followed by an auxiliary verb. am/is/are, followed by a subject and a semantic verb with the ending -ing.

Compare:

Are you watching TV?(Russian: Do you watch TV?): a general question requiring a “yes” or “no” answer

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

What TV program are you watching?(Russian. What television program are you watching?) special question with interrogative phrase What TV program

• Who are you watching it with?(Russian: Who are you watching it with?) special question with a question word Who (with)

Examples of interrogative sentences in the 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 copula verb conjugation well to be in present time.

Using the Present Continuous

Present Continuous is used to denote actions in the present that are non-permanent and temporary.

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

Marker words for the Present Continuous the following:

now- Now,

at the moment- in this moment,

at present- currently

these days- during these days

nowadays- today, now, these days

still- still, still

today/tonight- today/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 when translated into Russian, these words, on the contrary, have to be added or used an imperfect form of the verb to show that the action is happening now.

Present Continuous for the present

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

1. First of all, the 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 lasts not at a specific moment, but “around it”; it is, as it were, extended in time, i.e. action in progress. Perhaps it started yesterday or last week, continues in the present and will continue for some period of time during which we perform this action from time to time:

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

4. Present Continuous is also used for action indicating a long, constantly changing process. In this case, the verbs are very often used get- become, change- change, improve- 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 unusual for him. In this case we very often use the verb to be also in a long time:

To summarize: Present Continuous describes an action in progress at the moment of speech or characteristic of the present tense. 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 tense serves 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 implement 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 example sentences with translation

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

Use of 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 the Continuous, therefore it is used in the Present Simple.

Present Continuous and other English tenses

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

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

But each of them has 4 forms:

• Simple
• Continuous
• Perfect
• Perfect Continuous

It is thanks to this 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 being able to use tenses in English correctly, you will be able to bring your speech closer to native speakers.

So, speaking about the 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 of Present Simple and Present Continuous.

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

Describes actions that occur usually or are an immutable truth, that is, they are permanent.

• Present Continuous describes temporary, impermanent events that are happening now, at the time of conversation.

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

comparison table present usage Simple and Present Continuous

Present Continuous and Present Perfect Continuous

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

Unlike the Simple Continuous, in the Present Perfect Continuous it is important not that the action is temporary and reflects the current process, but the process of performing it in the past and, as a consequence, its result in the present.

Compare:

Wait, I'm trying to open the door(Russian: Wait, I'm trying to open the door): I'm trying now, 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(Russian: I tried to open the door, but it is still closed): I tried in the recent past, I may still try, but I have a negative result, I’ve been trying -Present Perfect Continuous.

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

Instead of a conclusion

So we've sorted it out Present Continuous time- present continuous tense. During the lessons, you can reinforce all the rules that you just read about in communication with the teacher.

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

Present Continuous exercises

Everyone knows that any new theoretical knowledge requires consolidation in practice. Below are several exercises on the Present Continuous, as well as comparisons between the Present Continuous and the Present Simple and the Present Continuous with the Present Perfect Continuous, so be careful when doing them. :)

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 do 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 fruit 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'm 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 my size.

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

The book consists of five chapters. I'm reading the third one now.

Looks like it's starting to rain...

Do you see this? This is incredible, I can't believe my eyes!

Lisa is very tired. She's 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.

Here it is so beautiful! I love walking through this park! I feel so happy!

1. Here we go again! She always sings in her soul!

In contact with

Present Continuous Tense (or Present Progressive Tense) is translated from English as “present continuous tense”. In English speech it is used on a par with the Present Simple, with the same frequency, and occupies an important place in grammar.

When the Present Continuous is used - when it is necessary to emphasize the duration of an action in the present. The limits of “duration” can be different: an action can last indefinitely or occupy a certain period of time - all these are cases of using the Present Continuous.

Present Continuous - formation of sentences of different types

Statement

According to the rules of the English language, any sentence is constructed in a certain order. In affirmative sentences, the subject takes first place, the predicate - second. In the Present Continuous, the predicate is made up of the auxiliary verb to be and the main (semantic) verb, which expresses the action. To be accepted the required form(am, is, are) depending on the subject, and the main verb takes on the ending -ing.

1. Formula: I am + ing verb Example: I am singing - I sing.
2. Formula: He/She/It is + ing verb Examples: He is smiling - He smiles. She is dancing - She is dancing. It is shining - It shines.
3. Formula: We/You/They are + verb-ing Examples: We are listening - We are listening. You are reading - You are reading. They are swimming - They are swimming.

Adding the ending -ing to a verb - general rule. However, adding an ending can transform the stem of some verbs when forming the Present Continuous.

1. Verb ends in -e Rule: the last letter is discarded Example: make - making (to do)
2. The verb ends in -ie Rule: -ie is replaced by -y Example: lie - lying (lie down)
3. Monosyllabic verb ending in a vowel and a consonant Rule: last consonant is doubled Example: get - getting

Negation

When the Present Continuous is used in negative sentences, the auxiliary and main verb are separated by the particle not.

1. Formula: I am not + ing verb Example: I am not singing - I don’t sing.
2. Formula: He/She/It is not + ing verb Examples: He is not smiling - He does not smile. She is not dancing - She doesn’t dance. It is not shining - It does not shine.
3. Formula: We/You/They are not + verb-ing Examples: We are not listening - We are not listening. You are not reading - You are not reading. They are not swimming - They do not swim.

Question

When the Present Continuous is used in interrogative sentences, the auxiliary verb takes first place, followed by the subject and then the main verb.

1. Formula: Am I + verb-ing Example: Am I singing? - I sing?
2. Formula: Is He/She/It + verb-ing Examples: Is he smiling? - He smiles? She is dancing? - She is dancing? Is it shining? - Is it shining?
3. Formula: Are We/You/They + verb-ing Examples: Are we listening? - We are listening? Are you reading? - You are reading? Are they swimming? - They are swimming?

Present Continuous - used in typical cases

1. The action is happening right now, at the time of speech. You can also use the Present construction

Continuous for several actions occurring simultaneously in the present. Marker words: now (now), at the moment (at the moment).

Example: She is eating apple while I am drinking juice - She eats an apple while I drink juice. (two actions are performed simultaneously)

2. The action is extended in time and occurs in the present, but is not limited to the present second. It started a while ago and will continue for some time. During this period of time, the designated action is performed.

Marker words: now (now), currently (now, now), these days (In these days, the other day).

Example: We are moving into a new house - We are moving to new house. (We are busy with the process of moving and will continue it, but at the time of speaking we are not specifically engaged in this, we are simply in a state of moving)

3. The situation is temporary.

Marker words: until (not yet), for (during), during (during).

Example: He is staying in New York for three months - He lives in New York for three months. (in three months, for some reason, he will leave New York, his period of stay in this city will end; this situation is temporary, he permanently resides, for example, in Moscow, and is in New York for work or in connection with studies)

4. The action is developing or constantly changing, the sentence often contains specific verbs to indicate it. Describing the process of change is a case of using the Present Continuous. Marker words: get (become), change (change), rise (rise), fall (fall), grow (grow), become (become), start (begin), improve (improve), begin (begin). Example: Your English is getting better - Your English is getting better. (there is a gradual increase in your level of English)

Special cases of using the Present Continuous construction

1. The deed is planned and will definitely be done in the near future, often with a date, place or some other details indicated.

Marker words: this/next week (this/next week), tonight (in the evening), today (today), tomorrow (tomorrow), this/next year (this/next year), this/next weekend (in these /next weekend).

Example: Next week we are buying a new car - Next week we are buying a new car. (we have not just decided, but have already chosen the brand of car and the car dealership where the purchase will be made)

2. We are talking about action in the present, affecting the near future, using verbs denoting movement.

Marker words: go (go), move (move), leave (leave), start (start), come (come), return (return).

Example: I'm tired. I am going to bed. - I'm tired. I am going to sleep. (right now I feel tired and will go to sleep right after I report this)

3. The speech is emotionally charged, the speaker is dissatisfied, annoyed or outraged by something that constantly happens.

Marker words: all the time (all the time), always (always), constantly (constantly)

Example: You are always interrupting me! - You constantly interrupt me! (you do this all the time and it annoys me)

4. Present Continuous - cases of use with state verbs.

According to the rules, such verbs in English are not used in the present tense, since they denote feelings and mental processes that have no time limits - these verbs express a state rather than an action.

However, if the meaning of such a verb you need is a specific action that has a beginning and an end, then the phrase can be constructed using the Present Continuous formula.

Marker words: to love, to feel, to wish, to think, to see, to look, to smell, to have ) and others

Examples: The steak tastes good. - This steak tastes great. (steak prepared according to this recipe is always delicious) The chef is tasting the steak. - The cook tastes the steak. (he's doing it right now)

Using the Present Continuous in difficult cases

1. We are talking about something new with a contrast to the old.

Example: He has left university, now he is working with his friend - He left the university and is now working with his friend.

2. We are talking about the unusual behavior of a certain person, he suddenly began to behave differently than before.

Example: She is eating too much - She eats too much. (before this she did not have such a good appetite)

3. Present Continuous is used in subordinate clauses time after unions. The sentence speaks of two actions, one of which is single or “short” (Present Simple), the second long (Present Continuous). For an action that occurs “in the background,” the Present Continuous is used, and for an event that interrupts it, the Present Simple is used.

Marker words: as long as (yet), when (when), in case (if), if (if), while (while), unless (not yet).

Example: I try not to make noise in case my daughter is reading her book - I try not to make noise when my daughter reads.

Present Continuos - read as Present Continuos, or the Present Continuous Tense is one of the most commonly used tenses in the English language. In fact, it comes in second place after (translated as Real Simple). It is used to express actions at the moment of pronouncing sentences, plans and much more.

Education Present Continuous

Education

Affirmative (positive) form of Present Continuous

Created with:

• The verb "", which is inflected depending on the person (first, second or third) and number (singular or plural) performing the action.
  The declination looks like this:

Question form Present Continuous

It seems to be created, only the word order changes. can be composed with or without a special question word.

1. If o exists, it is put in first place.
2. Then it goes in the required form.
3. Next is the semantic verb.
4. And finally, all other members of the sentence.

For example, let’s make the sentences from the table interrogative:

You see that in the last two sentences the interrogative word “what” was used, which is translated as “what?” To create interrogative sentences, you will need other common question words:

• How? (How?)
• When? (When?)
• Who? (Who?)
• Where from? (Where?)
• Which? (Which?)
• Where? (Where?)
• Why? (Why?)

Negative form

Formed by adding the particle “not”.

You see that “is not” and “are not” have been shortened to “isn’t” and “aren’t”, which are read as “iznt” and “ant”. The reason for this is the peculiarities of the English language, where “swallowing” of vowel sounds is common.

Writing rules

The only problem that can arise with creating is writing verbs in the “ing” form. The most common way to create the Present Participle is with the infinitive form of the verb and the ending “ing”.

Here are examples of such cases:

See (see) – seeing (vision)
enter (enter) – entering (entering; entering; entrance/entry)

Note: when answering the questions “What should I do?” "What to do?". But when the last letter of the verb is “e”, which is not pronounced, that letter is omitted.

Fame – faming
note (noticing) – note (noticing)
forgive (forgiving) – forgiving (forgiving)

Formation of affirmative, interrogative, negative forms Present continuous

There are also exceptions in which:

• The last one is doubled if the word ends with a consonant preceded by a stressed sound.

Examples:
run – running;
admit – admitting.
stop – stopping;
It should not be forgotten that the letter “x” is never doubled, since it conveys two “ks” sounds.

• Doubles the final "r" if it does not have a diphthong:

stir (to move) – stirring;
refer (address) – referring (addressing).

• The final "l" is doubled if it is preceded and if the final syllable is stressed:

travel – travelling (travel, traveling)
signal – signaling (signaling, signaling)
cancel – cancelling (cancellation, canceling, canceling)
compel –compelling (coercion, compelling, compelling)

• The ending “ie” is replaced with “y”:

hie-hying
pie – pying
delie – delaying

It is worth noting that words that end with “ing” are not always patissiple. In English they can also be nouns or even adjectives.

Here are examples:
I am swimming. - I swim (the word with the ending ing plays the role of patissiple).
Swimming is beneficial for your health. - Swimming is good for your health (plays the role of a noun and subject).
Now he is in the swimming pool. - Now he is in the pool, literally in the “swimming lake” (here plays the role of an adjective).

So if you see an -ing word, it doesn't mean the sentence is necessarily in the Continuous form. It all depends on the context.

Eat . They are divided into the following groups:

1. Verbs that show emotions: love, need, appreciate;
2. Verbs related to thoughts: forget, remember;
3. Verbs of feelings: sensations, hearing, etc.. (hear, touch);
4. Verbs denoting rights to something, possession: belong, have, possess, own;
5. Other verbs that do not belong to groups: cost, need, maintain.

Using the Present Continuous

This tense is used:

• If the action is performed at the time of conversation. In these cases, the words now (now, now), at this moment (at this moment), etc. are often used, but they are optional.

Now I am swimming. - Now I'm swimming.
At this moment she is talking. — She’s talking at the moment.

• If they do something now, but not right during the speech.

Don't this novel. Katya's reading it. - Don't take this novel. Katya is reading it.
Sam’s spending a lot of time home last days, as he’s writing a novel. Andrew spends a lot of time at home these days because he is writing a novel.

• If the action is part of the plans and the person who speaks is confident that the plans will come true. Such cases Present Continuous is used with verbs of motion and words indicating the future.

They're getting married in September. - They will get married in September.
We're flying to Paris in the evening. - We are flying to Paris in the evening.

• If the characteristic properties of a person are described, often with a negative connotation.

Why are you shouting at me? - Why are you shouting at me?

conclusions

To summarize, to study the Present Continuous Tense you will need to learn the basic rules for forming the Present Participle and remember the order of words in sentences. It is important to remember the verbs that are not used in this tense. If you remember all the information in this article and practice a little, you can confidently say that you understand Present Continuos.

Present Progressive (Present Continuous) tense- present continuous tense. In most cases, this tense indicates that the action is happening right now. For us Russians, Present Continuous may seem too difficult to understand at first. This is not surprising, because in Russian there are no such verb tenses. For example, the sentence “I play the balalaika” in Russian can mean that I am playing now or that I am playing at all (I know how to play). In English these are two different sentences. However, we also use some verbs differently in different situations.

IN in general terms: if we want to say that the action is happening right now, then we use the Present Continuous (Present Progressive) form. But this is not the only case of using this temporary form. But more on this later. First, let's answer the question - How is Present Progressive (Continuous) formed?

Formation of Present Continuous: elementary rules and examples

The Present Progressive is formed quite simply: we take the verb to be, put it in the appropriate form for the subject (we change it in accordance with the subject - I am, he is, my mother is and so on) and add the corresponding verb with the ending ing, which is “attached” to its base.

Too difficult? Let's look at a diagram illustrating this process.

Still not clear? Okay, let's look at examples. To do this, let's take the verb to think- think. Since it ends in a consonant, when adding ing nothing will be discarded, that is, we get - thinking. If we want to say “I am thinking” (about something at the moment), then we will succeed - I am thinking. Now with other people:

Negative and interrogative forms are formed very simply. Here's a visual table:

Rules for using the Present Continuous and examples

Forming the Present Continuous form is quite simple. The most difficult thing is correct usage of this form. The point is that there are several cases when it is necessary to use the Present Continuous tense and not some other tense. Briefly, all these cases are indicated using a diagram:

This scheme is not yet entirely clear to us, but it will be useful in order to quickly remember the main cases of using the Present progressive.

So, Present Continuous is used:

1. Designation of what is happening or not happening now, at the moment (now, at the moment).

• I’m studying the present continuous . - I have been studying the present for a long time.
• I'm not watching TV at the moment. — I’m not watching TV at the moment.
• I'm sitting now.- I'm sitting now.
• I'm using the Internet. — I use the Internet.
• We're talking about life. — We talk about life.
• She's not listening to me. - She doesn't listen to me (Now).

2. Designation of what is happening now in the broad sense of the word - today, this month, this year, and so on. Temporary situations that we feel or know will not last.

• I am studying to become a teacher. — I'm studying to be a teacher (for example 5 years).
• Are you working on any special projects at work? - You (Now) Are you working on any project for work?
• I’m living in Moscow for a few months. — I’ve been living in Moscow for several months.
• I'm reading a great book. — I'm reading a wonderful book (Now, these days. Reading a book is a long process).
• He’s living with his mother until he finds an apartment. — He lives with his mother until he finds an apartment.

3. New or temporary habits that have not always existed.

• My father is smoking too much . (He used to smoke less or not at all).
• My cat’s eating a lot these days . (She never ate so much before).

4. Repetitive, irritating actions, usage habits always, constantly, forever:

• I don’t like him because he is always complaining. - I don’t like him because he complains all the time.

• They're forever being late. - They are always late.

• My sister is always losing her keys. - My sister constantly loses her keys.

5. Plans for the near future

• I’m leaving at 5 am. — I leave at 5 am.
• Are you visiting your parents next weekend? — Will you visit your parents next weekend?
• I am not going to the party tonight. — I won't go to the party today.

6. Situation change (usually slow) - little by little, gradually etc.

• My son is getting better at playing the guitar. - My son is progressing in playing the guitar (playing better and better).

• The weather is improving . — The weather is getting better.

These were all the rules of education and using the present continuous (the present progressive).

Present Continuous - the present continuous tense of the English language, means
action taking place at the present moment; an action that 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(At the moment), currently, presently(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 the semantic verb in the ing form ( V-ing), which follow the subject.

I am watching TV now -
I'm watching TV now

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

She is reading at the moment -
She is reading at the moment

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/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'm 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 use a verb "to be" before subject, a semantic verb in the form " -ing" should after the subject.

Am I reading now? -
I am 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? -
Do the 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 the 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 posing 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 the present indefinite:

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

Interrogative-negative form

In interrogative-negative form the particle not is placed immediately after the subject or before the subject, forming a shortened 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 the action itself is more important for the speaker than the process, then Present Indefinite is used rather than Present Continuous:

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

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

If at the moment of speech two simultaneous processes occur, then all three options for transmitting 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

Present Continuous tense markers

English verbs in the Present Continuous used c
temporary markers:
still- still,
now- Now,
at present- currently,
at the moment- At the moment,
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'm sitting at the table and writing. (Now)

The bus is coming. -
The bus is coming.

It is raining. -
It's raining. (At the moment)

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 the Continuous:

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

I hear a siren. Do you here it too

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

I want an apple

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

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

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

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

I am learning to drive. -
I'm learning to drive a car. (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.

Not writing a new play. -
He is writing a new play. (not right now, but at this point in life)

That firm is carrying on negotiations for the purchase of ore. -
This company 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 completion, since there is an agreement, plan, tickets, etc.), especially with verbs denoting movement or action. In this case, time adverbials 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 the 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 this evening.

1) To express a planned future action (the actor expresses both the intention to perform the action and the confidence in its completion, since there is an agreement, plan, tickets, etc.), especially with verbs denoting movement or action. In this case, time adverbials 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 fly to Paris in the morning.

We are dining out on Saturday. -
We dine out on Saturday.

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

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

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

colloquial abbreviations:

Abbreviations used in colloquial speech:

I am= I"m
He (she, it) is = 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?