Present continuous

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This article is about a grammatical tense in English. For its use in other languages, see Continuous and progressive aspects.

The present continuous, also called the present progressive or present imperfect, is a verb form used in modern English that combines the

indicative and subjunctive moods. It accounts for approximately 5% of verbs in spoken English.[2]

Formation

The present continuous is formed by the present tense form of

present participle (-ing form) of the verb.[3][4]

For example, you would write the verb work in the present continuous form by adding the -ing suffix to the verb and placing a present tense form of be (am, are, is) in front of it:[3]

  • I am working.
  • You are working.
  • She is working.
  • We are working.
  • They are working.

Uses

The present continuous is used in several instances. Its most common use is to describe something that is happening at the exact moment of speech:[3]

  • The boy is laughing.

This contrasts with the simple present, which is used to refer to something that occurs habitually (i.e. habits, unchanging situations, general truths, and fixed arrangements).[5][6]

The present continuous is also used to describe a temporary activity, even if it is not taking place at the exact moment of speech, or a temporary situation:[7]

  • They are working in Dubai.
  • I am writing a book.
  • I am living in Scotland until the end of the year.

This contrasts with permanent activities or situations, which are described using the simple present:[8] I live on Main Street.

Present continuous can also describe an event planned in the future when combined with a time indicator for the future:[3][7]

  • I am resitting my French exam on Tuesday.

When combined with always, but meaning often, the present continuous can be used to emphasize the frequency of an action in a humorous or hyperbolic way:[7][9]

  • My parents are always making me go to school!
  • She is always playing with that doll!
  • He is always eating chocolate!

See also

References

[1]

  1. ^ "Tense vs aspect | Collins ELT". news.collinselt.com. Retrieved 2018-08-24.
  2. ^ "Most Common English Verb Tenses | Ginseng English | Learn English". Ginseng English. Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  3. ^ a b c d "Present continuous". LearnEnglish. British Council. Retrieved 2019-03-04.
  4. ^ "Present Continuous". Present Continuous. 2015-10-30. Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  5. ^ "Present Simple and Present Continuous | Learn English". www.ecenglish.com. Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  6. ^ "Simple present tense | EF | Global Site". www.ef.com. Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  7. ^ a b c "The present continuous tense - Easy Learning Grammar". Collins Dictionary. Retrieved 2019-03-05.
  8. ^ "Present simple". LearnEnglish. 2010-03-19. Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  9. ^ "talking about the present". British Council. Retrieved 2019-03-03.
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