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    Present Continuous Tense

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    KONAN parfait Stéphane Joël

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    Present Continuous Tense

    Uploaded by

    KONAN parfait Stéphane Joël
    18 views6 pages

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    © © All Rights Reserved

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    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
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    Download as pdf or txt
    18 views6 pages

    Present Continuous Tense

    Uploaded by

    KONAN parfait Stéphane Joël

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 6

    Present Continuous Tense

    The present continuous tense, as the name suggests, is the form of tense that is used to denote an
    action that is ongoing or occurring in that current moment. It is also referred to as the present
    progressive tense as it represents the action that is progressing in the present. Let us now look at
    the definitions provided by various dictionaries about the present continuous tense.

    Different definitions of the Present Continuous Tense


    The Cambridge Dictionary defines the ‘present continuous tense’ as “the verb form used for
    actions or events that are happening or developing now.” According to the Collins Dictionary,
    the present continuous tense is defined as “a verb form consisting of an auxiliary be in the present
    tense followed by a present participle and used especially to indicate that a present action or event
    is in progress, being repeated, or of a temporary nature or to express the future.” The present
    continuous tense is “the tense used to talk about actions or behaviour that is in progress now or
    planned for the future”, according to the Macmillan Dictionary.

    Structure of the Present Continuous Tense


    There is just one formula to mastering the present continuous tense and this is how it goes.

    Subject + am/is/are + present participle (verb+ing) + the rest of the sentence.

    However, there is something more you should pay attention to. You should also learn how the
    sentences with the present continuous tense form of the verb are structured when they are
    positive, negative, interrogative and negative interrogative.
    Have a look at the table given below to have a deeper understanding of the structure of the
    present continuous tense.

    Structure of the Present Continuous Tense

    Positive Negative Interrogative Negative Interrogative

    Isn’t/aren’t + subject + present


    Subject + am/is/are + participle (verb+ing) + the rest
    Subject + am/is/are Am/is/are + subject +
    not + present of the sentence
    + present participle present participle
    participle (verb+ing) (Or)
    (verb+ing) + the (verb+ing) + the rest
    + the rest of the Am/is/are + subject + not +
    rest of the sentence of the sentence
    sentence present participle (verb+ing) +
    the rest of the sentence

    Examples:
    Examples: Examples:
    • I am not Examples:
    • I am reading a • Am I not reading a
    reading a • Am I reading a
    newspaper. newspaper?
    newspaper. newspaper?
    • You are • Are you not doing it
    • You are not • Are you doing it
    doing it wrong?
    doing it wrong. wrong?
    wrong. / Aren’t you doing it
    • He is not • Is he playing tenn
    • He is wrong?
    playing tennis is?
    playing tennis. • Is he not playing tennis?
    .
    / Isn’t he playing tennis?
    Rules and Points to Remember When Using the Present Continuous Tense

    When using the present continuous tense, make sure you follow the sentence structure exactly.
    • Always start with the subject when it is a positive or negative sentence and with the helping
    verb when it is in the interrogative format.
    • A sentence with the present continuous tense consists of a helping verb (‘to be’ form of
    verbs) and a main verb. The helping verbs can be ‘am’ for the pronoun ‘I’, ‘is’ for singular
    subject and ‘are’ for a plural subject.
    • Just note that like the other pronouns, the pronoun ‘am’ cannot be used in the negative
    form in an interrogative sentence. Instead of ‘amn’t’, ‘aren’t’ is used.
    For example:
    • Amn’t I reading a newspaper? Wrong
    • Aren’t I reading a newspaper? Correct

    Uses of the Present Continuous Tense

    Like the simple present tense, the present continuous tense is also generally used to talk about an
    action that is taking place in the present. The only difference is that it denotes an action that is
    continuing to happen or progressing at the current moment.
    Take a look at the following points that elaborate on the more specific uses of the present
    continuous tense.

    o It is used to represent an action that is happening or progressing at the moment that


    the speaker is speaking.
    For example:
    • My son is working on his science project.
    • Santana is singing Don’t Rain on My Parade.
    o It is used to depict a future event or arrangement.
    For example:
    • What are you planning to do tomorrow?
    • I heard that Rachel is moving to Paris next month.

    o It is used to denote an action that is going on or continuing at the time of speaking.


    For example:
    • Is she still working at the National Institute of Medical Sciences?
    • I am currently taking guitar lessons so I could play for your wedding.

    Examples of Present Continuous Tense


    Let’s check a few examples

    • My mom is cooking dinner.

    • The band is playing all the classics.

    • Monica and Rachel are going on a trip tomorrow.

    • Brandi is not practising for the final audition.

    • I am trying out something new.

    • They are not travelling to London next week.

    • Are you watching a movie tonight?

    • Is your phone working properly now?

    • The children are loving the new park.

    • Diana is playing the main role in the play


    Let’s review and practise a few examples!

    1. ______ the clock ________ (work)?

    2. The teachers ___________ (plan) to dance to all the latest songs on Children’s Day.

    3. ______ she ___________ (play – negative) the piano anymore?

    4. The dog __________ (run) all around the garden.

    5. We ____________ (go – negative) to the party tomorrow.

    6. The Bellas ___________ (perform) the songs of the 80s.

    7. Smith and Sherlock ___________ (dance) well.

    8. _______ I __________ (look) good today?

    9. Trinia and Vanitha ____________ (ride) on their new cat.

    10. _____ he still ________ (stand) there?


    Let’s check out the answers given below.

    1. Is the clock working?

    2. The teachers are planning to dance to all the latest songs on Children’s Day.

    3. Is she not playing the piano anymore?

    4. The dog is running all around the garden.

    5. We are not going to the party tomorrow.

    6. The Bellas are performing the songs of the 80s.

    7. Smith and Sherlock are dancing well.

    8. Am I looking good today?

    9. Trinia and Vanitha are riding on their new cat.

    10. Is he still standing there?

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