The English language is how the present continuous is formed. Using the Present Continuous

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 is a temporary form of a verb that describes actions or states that are ongoing at the moment of speech.

That is, Present Continuous Tense shows actions and states in progress! This is how it differs from the 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 , then it is lowered:- driving

• to give

- giving If a verb ends in a consonant after a stressed syllable, the consonant is doubled: sit − si
tt ing sit − si
to stop - sto If a verb ends in a consonant after a stressed syllable, the consonant is doubled: sit − si

• pp to forget - forge If the verb ends in to forget - forge-l

, preceded by a vowel, then always doubles (in the American version this rule is not observed). sit − si
to travel - travel always doubles (in the American version this rule is not observed). sit − si

• pp ll to fulfil - fulfi ll-ie , That:

changes to -y to l ie sit − si
—l -y y ie sit − si

to d

• -d

Formation of the affirmative 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	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 thoroughly learn this table as a cliche, where you will then substitute other verbs.

Not all English verbs are used in the continuous 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 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 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.”

Note!

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 the Present Simple Tense. That is, in the subordinate clause of time or condition after conjunctions.

If we talk about the popularity of using tenses in English, the first place will undoubtedly be given to the group Simple. However, this group alone will certainly not take you to London, and therefore it is necessary to expand the capabilities of the language. The second most popular group of times, the Continuous group, can perfectly help with this. Like all other groups, it contains past, present and future tenses. Today we will focus on the Present Continuous Tense (pronounced present continuous tense) or the present continuous tense, examining how this tense is formed.

Present Continuous Tense (also Present Progressive Tense) or the present continuous tense is the tense of the English language, responsible for actions that occur in the present time at the time of conversation.

At the initial stage of language learning, this tense is often confused with the Present Simple. Yes, in both the first and second cases it concerns the present, but the difference between these times is colossal. To avoid getting into trouble with the use of these tenses, let's take a closer look at the Present Continuous tense in English.

The formation of the Present Continuous is based on the use of auxiliary and semantic verbs. The auxiliary verb is to be in the present tense. Depending on the person and number, this tense can have 3 forms:

Pronouns / Pronouns	to be in the present tense
I	am
He
We

Participle I or the present participle is used as a semantic verb. To form the present participle in the active voice, you do not need to separately remember the rules for regular and irregular verbs. You just need to take any verb in the infinitive form, remove the preposition to and add the ending –ing.

Examples in Present Continuous Tense	Method of education
I'm learning Chinese. (I'm studying Chinese.)	to learn -> learn learn + ing = learning
She is working hard. (She works hard.)	to work -> work work + ing = working
They are dancing. (They are dancing.)	to dance -> dance danc(e) + ing = dancing
We are leaving. (We are leaving.)	to leave -> leave leav(e) + ing = leaving
She is dying. (She is dying.)	to die -> die dy + ing = dying

When adding an ending, it is worth considering certain nuances:

• If a word ends in –e, this letter is omitted:

A verb cannot be formed in this way if there are two –e in the word. In this case, the standard rule applies:

• If a word ends in –ie, this combination of letters is replaced with –y:

The exception is words ending in –x and –w, which are not doubled:

If a word ends with a consonant –r, that letter must be doubled unless there is a diphthong before it:

Doubling the consonant –l at the end is possible if the stress falls on the last syllable and the –l is preceded by a short vowel:

In British English, –l is doubled even if the stress is not on the final syllable.

Please note that words that end in –ing are not always present participles. Nouns and adjectives are often expressed with these words:

Present Continuous: sentence forms

Now let’s look at how sentences are formed using auxiliary and semantic verbs:

Affirmative form of Present Continuous

The affirmative form of the Present Continuous contains direct word order. In such a sentence, after the subject there are auxiliary and semantic verbs. Affirmative sentence scheme:

The sentences above are used in the active voice, where the action is performed by the subject. However, sometimes situations arise in which it is necessary to show that the action is directed at the object/person itself. In such cases, the passive voice is used, for the formation of which it is necessary to use three verbs: the same auxiliary verb to be in the present tense, the verb to be in Participle I (being) and the past participle (or Participle II):

Subject + (be) + being + Past Participle

Everything is clear with the first two, but Past Participle has its own characteristics. It contains two forms of formation, the choice of which depends on the regularity or irregularity of English verbs. Thus, the past participle of regular verbs is formed by adding the ending –ed. Irregular verbs do not obey this rule: each of them has a singular form, so you just need to try to remember such verbs.

Such sentences often use the preposition by, which shows who did the action. Examples:

The rule also applies to sentences in the passive voice:

The auxiliary verb in the affirmative and negative forms is often shortened in speech and writing like the Present Simple tense:

Abbreviating am not in the negative form as amn’t is, as a rule, not accepted. This form of negation for the Present Continuous can be found in Scotland and Ireland.

Question form Present Continuous

The interrogative form in the Present Continuous tense is constructed based on the type of question:

• General and alternative questions bring the auxiliary verb forward before the subject:

This question is answered briefly using an auxiliary verb:

This question requires a complete answer:

When using two or more semantic verbs, the auxiliary verb is used once at the beginning.

• A special question for the Present Continuous must contain a question word that comes before the auxiliary verb.

A complete answer is also needed here:

A short answer is required here, similar to the answer to the general question:

These were all the rules for forming the Present Continuous, with the help of which you can easily compose a grammatically correct sentence.

Present Continuous: use

Present Continuous or present continuous tense is used constantly in speech. Let's consider all cases of using the Present Continuous.

1. The present continuous tense in English is used to indicate actions that are ongoing at the time of conversation. Often in this case, the indicator words now (now) and at the moment (at the moment) are used:

She is passing an exam at the moment.	She is currently taking an exam.
I'm working now.	I am working now.
She is talking with the boss about a new project.	She talks to her boss about a new project.
Cake is being made in the kitchen.	A cake is being prepared in the kitchen.

Don't confuse Present Simple and Continuous:

1. Present Continuous Tense is also used when talking about actions that are happening now, but not specifically at this moment.

1. The use of the Present Continuous is possible with the adverbs always / constantly (constantly), again and again (every now and then), all the time (all the time). Such sentences differ from sentences in the Present Simple in that they usually imply the speaker's irritation regarding some habit. As a Russian analogue, the adverbs here can mean “always doing something”:

1. The use of Present Continuous Tense is possible in cases where the speaker knows or assumes that the action will not last long. In such sentences there are words for / during (during), until / till (until / until).

The second part of the sentence in this construction is usually used in the Present Simple.

1. The Present Continuous is used when talking about planned actions in the future. In this case, preference for this time can be given only when the action is definitely decided to be carried out. Sentences may contain satellite words: tonight, today, tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, this (next) week / month / year (in this (next) week / month / year).

Translation of such constructions is usually carried out in the present tense, although, in essence, this does not change anything even in the Russian language: it is clear that the action is not being performed now.

1. The present continuous tense in English is also used to express actions that will happen in the near future, using verbs of motion. These include: go (go), come (come), leave (leave), move (move), take off (take off), land (land), return (return), move (move).

The translation is also in the present tense, although the future is implied.

1. Present Continuous or Progressive Tense is used when talking about actions that change gradually. Often for this case, words in English are used that imply this change: change (change), increase (increase), decrease (decrease), improve (improve), rise (rise), grow (grow), fall (fall), begin / start (begin), become / get (become):

1. Present Continuous is used when emphasis is placed on unusual behavior of a person that is not observed:

1. However, the above cases do not always apply. So, for example, exceptions to the rules in Present Continuous Tense are state verbs or state verbs, with which the Continuous tense cannot be used, since they themselves imply action. Such an action usually cannot be observed with the eyes. These include verbs responsible for:

• emotions (love - to love, hate - to hate, adore - to adore, respect - to respect);
• processes of mental activity (think - to think, believe - to believe, assume - to believe);
• perception (feel – to feel, hear – to hear, see – to see, notice – to notice);
• ownership rights (have - to have, belong - to belong, possess - to have, own - to own);
• desires (wish - dream, want - want, desire - desire);
• other (succeed - to succeed, need - to need, find - to seek, fail - to fail).

The Present Simple tense is used with these verbs.

However, there are certain situations where a stative verb can be used as a continuous verb. This is possible if:

• a word from the list of state verbs has another meaning:
• see can be used to mean "to meet" or "to examine":

• appear (seem) meaning “to perform on stage”:

• have in stable expressions

1. The Present Continuous is also used to contrast something new with something old:

1. The Present Continuous is used in subordinate clauses to show that some actions continue during others. To do this, the Present Continuous is used in the subordinate clause, and the Present Simple in the main part. Such constructions often contain the words when (when), if (if), in case (in case), as long as (yet), unless (not yet):

• In order to show one continuous action against the background of another, the conjunction while (while), expressing subordinate adverbs of time, can be used. Both parts use the Present Continuous tense:

She is checking my work while I’m eating.	She checks my work while I eat.
While I’m singing, he is playing the guitar.	While I sing, he plays the guitar.

Today we learned what the Present Continuous is and in what situations it is used. Present Continuous grammar is not very difficult, so you will quickly master this tense by practicing all the uses mentioned.

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It turns out that the British have their own favorite times. Present Continuous tense or Present Continuous tense is one of them. Today we are talking about how the Present Continuous is formed and when it is used.

General information

In Russian you can find sentences of the following type:

• There's no need to rush! The store is still open!
• She is now choosing a new dress.
• They are currently discussing new issues.

As can be seen from the examples, we are talking about long-term actions, about processes that occur at the very moment when they are spoken about. In Russian, this is indicated by words such as “now”, “at the moment”, “yet”. Verbs are used in the present tense. The situation is different in English. To express duration, only adverbs of time are not enough. The main expression of duration in the language of Foggy Albion is the temporary form Present Continuous:

• Don't hurry! The shop is still working!
• Now she is choosing a new dress.
• At this moment they are discussing new questions.

Education

Sentences in English are constructed according to direct word order. The subjects come first, the predicate comes second. Affirmative sentences in the Present Continuous are no exception. Only the predicate is expressed by two verbs: auxiliary to be and the main one with the addition of an ending to its basis - ing. The following table shows how the formula works in practice “subjects + to be + main verb + -ing”:

When adding the ending -ing to the stem of a semantic verb, you must pay attention to the final vowel or consonant:

• if the verb ends with a silent vowel -e, then it is omitted ( to bake - baking, to blame - blaming);
• if the verb ends in -ie, then this combination is replaced with -y ( to die - dying);
• if the verb consists of one syllable and ends in a vowel + consonant, then the final consonant is doubled ( to cut - cutting, to put - putting).

Negative sentences

Negation in English is constructed using the negative particle not (not). In the Present Continuous form, it stands between the auxiliary and main verbs: subjects + to be + not + main verb + -ing.

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Question

A characteristic feature of English interrogative sentences is the reverse word order, when the auxiliary verb comes first. In the Present Continuous, questions are constructed using the following formula: to be + subjects + main verb + -ing?

Cases of use

The answer to the question of when the Present Continuous is used lies on the surface - in the very name of the time. The word Present indicates that the action is taking place in the present, and Continuous emphasizes the duration of the ongoing event. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Hidden under the dark water are other nuances of using this tense:

• To illustrate an action that is happening at the moment of speech. In this case, it is possible to use such time markers as at this moment (at the moment), now (now):

My father is not smoking now. He is speaking to our neighbor - My father doesn’t smoke now. He's talking to our neighbor.

• To describe an action that extends over time: it is happening now and will continue for some time. In order to emphasize this “extension”, the time indicators these days (the other day), currently (now) are used:

My grandmother is currently sewing a new shirt for me - My grandmother is now sewing a new shirt for me (she started sewing even before now and will continue to do this for some time)

• To illustrate temporary situations, events. In these sentences you can find words such as until (not yet), for (during), during (during):

Ann is working as a teacher until she moves to another city - Anna works as a teacher until she moves to another city (her job is not permanent, but temporary).

• To describe events that do not “stand in one place,” they develop and change. As a rule, in these cases the verbs to change (change), to get (become), to begin (begin), to improve (improve), to become (become) are used:

His skills are getting better – His skills are getting better.

• To describe planned actions, as well as events that are expected to happen in the near future:

Tonight they are organizing New Year party - Tonight they are preparing a New Year's party.

The stable expression to be going to (getting ready) is used to mean the future (We are going to visit a doctor - We are going to visit a doctor).

What have we learned?

The discussed rules and examples of Present Continuous for children explain in detail how this temporary form is formed, when a consonant is doubled and what exceptions there are when adding the ending -ing to the main verb. Complex cases of using time were also explained for beginners.

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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 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:

Interrogative form	Negative form
Am I think ing? - I think?	I am don't think ing. - I don't think (I'm not thinking.)
Are you think ing? - You think?	You are don't think ing. - You do not think. (You aren't thinking.)
Is he think ing? - He thinks?	He is don't think ing. - He doesn't think. (He isn't thinking.)
Is she think ing? - She thinks?	She is don't think ing. - She doesn't think. (She isn't thinking.)
Is it think ing? - Does it think?	It is don't think ing. - It doesn't think. (It isn't thinking.)
Are we think ing? - We are thinking?	We are don't think ing. - We don't think so. (We're not thinking.)
Are they think ng? - They think?	They are don't think ing. - They don't think. (They aren't thinking.)

Rules for using the Present Continuous and examples

Forming the Present Continuous form is quite simple. The most difficult thing is the correct use 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.- Now I'm sitting.
• 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 am studying to become a teacher (for example, 5 years).
• Are you working on any special projects at work? — Are you (now) working on some kind of work project?
• 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 am 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, annoying actions, habits using always, constantly, forever:

• I don’t like him because he is always complaining.
• They're forever being late.
• My sister is always losing 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. Change of situation (usually slow) - little by little, gradually etc.

• My son is getting better at playing the guitar.
• The weather is improving.

These were all the rules for the formation and use of the present continuous (the present progressive).

Basic table for the formation of the affirmative form of the Present Continuous Tense in English

Let's first take a look at the How is Present Continuous Tense formed?. It belongs to compound tenses, since even in affirmative sentences it 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 As a 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

pp When forming the Present Participle, it is important to know the following rules:, 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 with a vowel followed by one consonant, then the consonant is doubled only if the last syllable is stressed:

put-put, regret - regretting

Rule #4

pp -ie to fulfil - fulfi -ie-ie , That:

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

Meaning of verbs	Examples of verbs
verbs of existing or being	be, consist of, contain, exist
verbs of possessing	belong to, have (= own), include, lack, own, possess
verbs of feeling or wanting	adore, desire, despise, detest, dislike, envy, hate, like, love, need, pity, prefer, trust, want, wish
verbs of thinking or believing	believe, doubt, expect, feel (= think), forget, imagine, intend, know, realize, recognize, remember, see (= understand), suppose, think, understand
verbs of appearance	appear, resemble, seem
other verbs	concern, depend, deserve, fit, matter, measure, mean, mind, weigh

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 the 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

Example sentences	Translation into Russian
I am not listening to you.	I'm not listening to you.
She is not watching TV now.	She doesn't watch TV now.
We are not talking about it at the moment.	We're not talking about this now.
Our guests are not dancing right now.	Our guests are not dancing at the moment.
Antonio is not driving to work, he is at home.	Antonio is not going to work now, he is at home.
Traffic is not moving because of the accident.	Traffic on the road was stopped due to an accident.

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

Sentence in English	Translation into Russian	Meaning of Present Continuous
I’m reading an interesting article right now.	I'm reading an interesting article now.	action at the moment of speech
They are always breaking their promises.	They always break their promises.	irritation with “always”
She is meeting a dentist tomorrow morning.	She is seeing the dentist tomorrow morning.	precise plans, agreements
Our team is working so hard this week.	Our team is working very hard this week.	an action that lasts for a limited period of time
Our world is changing.	The world is changing.	long, constantly changing process
What's happened? You are being so nervous today!	What's happened? You're so nervous today!	unusual human behavior

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.

Comparative table of the use of Present Simple and Present Continuous

Present Simple	Present Continuous
regular actions, daily routine, habits - regular action: We usually start work at 8 o’clock. (Russian. We usually start work at 8 o’clock.) - does this every day: He is a doctor. He meets a lot of patients every day. (Russian. He is a doctor. He sees many patients every day.) marker words Present Simple: always, often, usually, sometimes, rarely, rarely, occasionally, hardly ever, never, every day/week/month/year	the action occurs at the moment of speech (right now): - action at the moment of speech: Sorry, I can't talk now. I'm working. (Russian. Sorry, I can’t talk right now. I’m working.) -right now: He isn’t meeting a patient now. He is just talking to a friend. (Russian. He is not seeing a patient now. He is just talking to a friend.) marker words Present Continuous: now, at the moment, still
permanent states and actions: From the context it is clear that this is an ordinary, habitual action or state. -permanent place of work: I work in this building. (Russian: I work in this building.) -Always: He is a really good student. He studies so hard! (Russian. He is a really good student. He studies so hard!)	temporary state and actions: The action is limited to a certain period of time, it occurs only now (during this period), and usually not everything is wrong. -temporarily: I am working in this office this month. (Russian: I work in this office this month. = I usually work in another office) -not always: Jim is busy. He is studying so hard these days. (Russian: Jim is busy. He studies so hard these days. = these days are especially busy, usually easier) marker words indicating temporary action: today, these days, this week/month/year, at present
well known facts, laws of nature, scientific facts: -true: Sun rises in the east and sets in the west. (Russian: The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.) -fact: It is really cold in winter in our country. (Russian. It is very cold in winter in our country.)	changing actions, actions in progress: -changing action: It is getting colder and colder here every day. (Russian. Every day it gets colder and colder.) -process: Look! Sun is rising - it’s so beautiful! (Russian: Look! The sun is rising - it’s so beautiful!)
an action that always happens regularly, using always: My girlfriend always talks on the phone in the evenings. (Russian. My girlfriend always talks on the phone in the evenings. = really talks every evening) Jim always complains about his colleagues. (Russian: Jim always complains about his colleagues. = real situation - something happened, Jim goes and complains about his colleagues)	to express emphasis, exaggeration and slight indignation, using always: My girlfriend is always talking on the phone! (Russian. Yes, my girlfriend is always talking on the phone! = she doesn’t talk all the time, but too often and it annoys us) Jim is always complaining about his colleagues. (Russian: Jim is always complaining about his colleagues. = he does it too often, no one likes it)
schedule of transport, days, concerts: -schedule: The bus leaves at 4 o’clock tomorrow. (Russian: The bus leaves at 4 o'clock tomorrow.)	Plans and agreements for the future: -plans: They are leaving at 4 o’clock tomorrow. (Russian: They leave at 4 o'clock tomorrow.)

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

Present Continuous	Present Perfect Continuous
The action takes place in the present - the connection is only with it, there is no connection with the past and there is no indication of how long the action lasts:	The action began in the past and continues to this day - a connection between the past and the present, perhaps an indication of how long the action lasts:
Hurry up! We're waiting for you. (Russian: Hurry up! We are waiting for you. = We are waiting right now)	We've been waiting for 2 hours. (Russian: We have been waiting for 2 hours already. = we started waiting for 2 hours and are still waiting)
Don't disturb her! She is learning English. (Russian. Don’t bother her. She’s studying English. = she’s studying right now)	She speaks English pretty nice. She has been learning English for 2 years. (Russian. She speaks English quite well. She has been studying English for 2 years. = for 2 years already)

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!

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