How sentences are built in the present continuous. Present continuous examples of construction and application of sentences

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

What is Present Continuous Tense?

Present Continuous Tense(Present Continuous Tense) is a temporary form of a verb that describes actions or states that last for at the moment 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 equivalent in Russian for Present Continuous Tense. It provides only one tense form for the present tense, which expresses both shades of simple and continuous tense. Let's see this with an example:

Present Continuous: You are speaking Spanish - You speak Spanish. (Meaning that you speak Spanish at this moment in time.)

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

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

Rules for the formation of Present Continuous Tense

The Present Continuous tense is complex. It is formed using 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, it is important to know the following rules:

If the verb ends in an unpronounceable -e, then it is lowered:

to drive e- driving
to give e- giving

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

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

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

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

If the verb ends in -ie, That -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 main verb (V + ing)

Formation of the interrogative form:

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

Formation of negative form:

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

Conjugation table for the verb to starve in Present Continuous Tense

Number	Face	Affirmative form	Question 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 thoroughly learn this table as a cliche, where you will then substitute other verbs.

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

when can you 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 time circumstances 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 like something is burning?
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 the given moment of speech:

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

3. When expressing any inclination or constant 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 quarrel with my teachers.

4. When expressing actions planned for the near future. Verbs of motion are often used in such sentences:

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

and expressions:

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

I am giving a birthday party tomorrow. — Tomorrow I'm throwing a birthday party.
They are leaving us this afternoon. “They are leaving us tonight.”

Pay attention!

The combination of the verb to go in the 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. “I’m going to introduce him to my parents.”

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

Present Continuous- present long time English language. Used to indicate a process that is happening right now. Below are the rules and formula for forming Present Continuous tense in affirmative, negative and interrogative sentences, auxiliary words and examples of using tense.

Education Present Continuous

In an affirmative sentence, the Present Continuous is formed by adding the auxiliary verb am / is / are (one of the forms of the verb to be) and adding an ing ending (-ing) to the verb in the first form.

It should be remembered that:

1) the auxiliary verb am is used with 1st person singular(I); it can merge with the pronoun to form I’m.
2) the auxiliary verb is is used with the 3rd person singular (he / she / it)
3) the auxiliary verb are is used with the 2nd person singular, 1st and 3rd persons plural(you, we, they)

Present Continuous formation formula:

Noun + am / is / are + verb in 1st form with the ending -ing added to it

Examples of affirmative sentences:

I am playing football right now. — I'm playing football now.

Sally is doing her homework at the moment. — Sally (she) is doing her homework now.

They are fishing now. - They are fishing now.

A negative sentence in the Present Continuous is formed by adding not to the auxiliary verb am / is / are, and verbs in the ing ending (-ing). Formula:

Noun + am / is / are + not + verb in 1st form with the ending -ing added to it

The auxiliary verb and the particle not can merge at the request of the one who writes or speaks. Examples of using negative sentences in the Present Continuous:

I'm not watching TV at the moment. — I don't watch TV now.

He is not working on his project right now. — He is not working on his project now

They are not going to the school now. — They don’t go to school now.

To form an interrogative sentence in the Present Continuous, the auxiliary verb must be placed at the beginning of the sentence. rule:

AM / is / are + noun + verb in 1st form with the ending -ing added to it

Examples of interrogative sentences:

Are you doing your homework? —Are you doing your homework?

Is she walking on the street right now? — Is she walking outside now?

Are they playing in the club at the moment? — Are they playing in the club now?

Auxiliary words Present Continuous

Typically, when using the Present Continuous tense, the following marker words are used:

Cases, V which usedPresent Continuous

It is not enough to know the rules of tense formation; you need to know where it is appropriate to use the Present Continuous. Below are examples of using the present continuous tense in everyday life.
Use case I: the action is happening now

Most often, the Present Continuous is used to describe an action that is not happening right at this moment in time. In this case, auxiliary words are also often used - right now, now, at the moment and others. examples:

You are learning English now. — You are learning English now.

They are not watching television. — They are not watching TV (at the moment).

Are you sleeping? — You are sleeping (at the moment).

Use case II: long-term actions in the present tense

Longer Actions in Progress Now

The word now in English can have both figurative meaning this week, this month, etc., as in Ukrainian. Therefore, the Present Continuous can be used to denote long-term actions that have already been taking place for some period and have not yet been completed. examples:

I am studying to become a doctor. — I'm studying to become a doctor.

I am not studying to become a dentist. — I’m not studying to be a dentist.

Are you working on any special projects at work? —Are you working on some project at work?

Use case III: near future

Sometimes the Present Continuous is used to denote agreements or actions that may or may not take place in the near future. In this case, it is necessary to indicate the time of the event. examples:

I am meeting some friends after work. — I meet with friends after work.

I am not going to the party tonight. — I'm not going to today's party.

Is he visiting his parents next weekend? — Or will he visit his parents next week?

IV use case: repeating actions that have a negative connotation

Repetition and Irritation

Like the Past Continuous, the Present Continuous can be used by the interlocutor in cases where he wants to express his negative attitude towards those repeating in the present tense. In this case, it is typical to use the words always and constantly between the auxiliary verb and the verb with an ing (-ing) ending. examples:

She is always coming to class late. — She is always late.

He is constantly talking. I wish he would shut up. — He talks constantly. I wish he would shut up.

I do not like them because they are always complaining. “I don’t like them because they constantly complain.”

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 takes second place. 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.

Formula: I am + ing verb Example: I am singing - I sing.
Formula: He/She/It is + ing verb Examples: He is smiling - He smiles. She is dancing - She is dancing. It is shining - It shines.
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.

Verb ends in -e Rule: the last letter is discarded Example: make - making (to do)
The verb ends in -ie Rule: -ie is replaced by -y Example: lie - lying (lie down)
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.

Formula: I am not + ing verb Example: I am not singing - I don’t sing.
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.
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.

Formula: Am I + verb-ing Example: Am I singing? - Am I singing?
Formula: Is He/She/It + verb-ing Examples: Is he smiling? - Is he smiling? She is dancing? -Is she dancing? Is it shining? - Is it shining?
Formula: Are We/You/They + verb-ing Examples: Are we listening? - Are we listening? Are you reading? - Are you reading? Are they swimming? - Do they swim?

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 a 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. It's about about action in the present influencing 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 you need of such a verb 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. It's about unusual behavior 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 after conjunctions. 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.

Remember, at school, in the third grade, the English teacher showed you pictures in which people were busy with various useful things, and asked in English: “What is he doing?” And you answered: “He reads,” “He helps his mother,” or “He builds a birdhouse.” This is where acquaintance with the Present Continuous ended for many of us.

Present Continuous, or present continuous tense, one of the basic tenses of the English language, starting from which you will build your system of tenses.

First we will look at how the forms of this time are formed.

To form a statement, we need two components: auxiliary verb to be (am/ is / are - depending on the subject) and ending verb-ING.

Statement
		Ving: working.

Negation
	NOT	Ving: working.

General question
	Ving: working	?

* information question with the word When? is not given in Present Continuous, since the form itself to be + Ving indicates that the action occurs at the moment of speech, therefore, the question about time does not make sense.

At all times of the group Continuous and in all types of utterances there is an auxiliary verb to be and a semantic verb ending -ING.

How an ending is added -ING to verbs? When this ending is added to a verb, the spelling of the verb changes. There are several rules that you have to remember:

	For most verbs that end in a consonant after two vowels or two consonants, the ending is added unchanged	speak - speaking point - pointing
	If the verb ends in a silent E, then it is dropped and added ending ING
	For verbs that end in Y, the ending is added without changes	study - studying
	If the verb ends in a closed stressed syllable, the final consonant is doubled
travel - travelling	Verbs that end in L preceded by a vowel double the L when the ending is added. This rule applies to British English; in American English L is not doubled.	quarrel - quarrelling marvel - marvelling model - modeling
	If a verb ends in R in a stressed syllable, then R is doubled	prefer - preferring
Exceptions	There are a number of exceptions to remember	agree - agreeing

Now let's look at the use cases Present Continuous.

1. Action that occurs at the moment of speech. (Action in progress at the moment of speaking)

The Present Continuous is used to express an action that occurs at the moment of speech, often before our eyes, that is, we can observe the process.

At the moment of speaking the following are indicated: time indicators: now(Now), at the moment(at present), still(still). Time indicators now And at the moment may not be used, because the form itself to be + Ving indicates that the action is happening right now, at the time of speech.

In addition, words that serve to attract attention (look, listen, be careful, etc.), indicate that the action is taking place at the moment of speech.

Look! She is dancing! - Look! She's dancing!
Jim is still doing his homework. - Jim is still doing his homework.
Be careful! The ladder is falling! - Carefully! The stairs are falling!

2. Temporary actions and states

States are those actions that seem to be in process at the moment of speech, but we cannot see them. For example: live, work, study.

By using the Present Continuous in this sense, you are saying: “I’m doing it now, but it’s temporary, I don’t usually do it. When the action is completed, everything will return to its place.".

Pointers: today, this week, these days, tonight, at present.

I’m living at my friend’s while my flat is being redecorated. - I’m staying with a friend while my apartment is being renovated. (This is a temporary action, the repairs will be completed and I will return to my apartment)

He likes science fiction but this month he is reading historical novels as it’s the topic of this month. - He loves science fiction, but this month he is reading historical novels because that is the theme of this month. (The action is temporary, the topic will end and he will read science fiction again)

She is working as a secretary these days. - IN given time she works as a secretary. (This is not a permanent job)

3. Changing or developing situations

If you are observing a process and see changes taking place, then you should use Present Continuous. Often used with paired adjectives in comparative degree: more and more, better and better.

It is becoming colder and colder. - It's getting colder and colder.
The flowers are becoming more and more beautiful. - The flowers are becoming more and more beautiful.
It is getting hotter. I will have a break. - It's getting hotter. I'll take a break.

4. Plans and agreements. (Arrangements)

The Present Continuous also has a future meaning. It can denote personal plans and arrangements for the near future. Often with place and time indicators. In Russian, we use the present tense in the same way to express a future action that we have planned:

Mr. Smith is leaving tomorrow at 11.00. - Mr. Smith leaves tomorrow at 11.00.
I am taking my exam tomorrow so I am studying tonight. - I'm taking an exam tomorrow, so I'm studying tonight.
We are meeting the manager tomorrow at 10 o’clock. - We are meeting with the manager tomorrow at 10 o'clock.

5. At the beginning of the story to create atmosphere. (Setting the scene)

If you are going to tell a story, you can use the Present Continuous to create the setting, to allow the listener to imagine the situation. You can use the word Imagine(imagine).

Present Simple is used to describe main events.

He is walking through the dark forest. It is raining and the wind is blowing. - He walks through the dark forest. It's raining and the wind blows.
Imagine: you are in the garden. The sun is shining and the birds are singing. - Imagine: you are in the garden. The sun is shining and the birds are singing.

6. Frequently repeated actions to convey irritation or surprise (Annoying or surprising actions)

Always is considered a typical Present Simple indicator, but this adverb can be used with the Present Continuous to express an action that is repeated too often: constantly, all the time. Such actions either irritate us or surprise us.

Except always, can be used constantly And continuously.

My sister is always leaving her dirty dishes on the table. - My sister always leaves dirty dishes on the table.
You are constantly interrupting me! - You interrupt me all the time!
I am always meeting you in this shop. - I meet you in this store all the time.

Comparative characteristics Present Simple And Present Continuous you will find .

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