Thepresent continuous,also called thepresent progressiveorpresent imperfect,is a verb form used in modern English that combines thepresent tensewith thecontinuous aspect.[1]It is formed by the present tense form ofbeand thepresent participleof a verb. The present continuous is generally used to describe something that is taking place at the present moment and can be employed in both theindicativeandsubjunctivemoods.It accounts for approximately 5% of verbs in spoken English.[2]
Formation
editThe present continuous is formed by the present tense form ofbeand thepresent participle(-ingform) of the verb.[3][4]
For example, you would write the verbworkin 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]
- Iam working.
- Youare working.
- Sheis working.
- Weare working.
- Theyare working.
Uses
editThe 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 boyis laughing.
This contrasts with thesimple 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]
- Theyare workingin Dubai.
- Iam writinga book.
- Iam livingin 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]
- Iam resittingmy 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 parentsarealwaysmakingme go to school!
- Sheisalwaysplayingwith that doll!
- Heisalwayseatingchocolate!
See also
editReferences
edit- ^"Tense vs aspect | Collins ELT".news.collinselt.com.Retrieved2018-08-24.
- ^"Most Common English Verb Tenses | Ginseng English | Learn English".Ginseng English.Retrieved2022-01-04.
- ^abcd"Present continuous".LearnEnglish.British Council.Retrieved2019-03-04.
- ^"Present Continuous".Present Continuous.2015-10-30.Retrieved2022-01-04.
- ^"Present Simple and Present Continuous | Learn English".www.ecenglish.com.Retrieved2022-01-04.
- ^"Simple present tense | EF | Global Site".www.ef.com.Retrieved2022-01-04.
- ^abc"The present continuous tense - Easy Learning Grammar".Collins Dictionary.Retrieved2019-03-05.
- ^"Present simple".LearnEnglish.2010-03-19.Retrieved2022-01-04.
- ^"talking about the present".British Council. 18 March 2010.Retrieved2019-03-03.