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Form
Using the auxiliary verb ´´to be´´ and gerund
(infinitive + “-ing”). -
Affirmative
Subject + auxiliary verb ´´to be´´ + gerund.
Example: I’m talking. -
Negative
Subject + auxiliary verb ´´to be´´ + auxiliary negative (not)
+ gerund. Example:He’s not [He isn’t] eating. -
Interrogative
Auxiliary verb (to be) + subject + gerund?.
Example: Are they learning?. -
Uses
- Now: with normal verbs to express the idea that something is happening now, at this very moment. Example:They are not watching television.
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2 Longer actions in progress now
"Now" can mean: this second, today, this month, this year, this century, and so on. Sometimes, we use the Present Continuous to say that we are in the process of doing a longer action which is in progress. Example: I am studying to become a doctor. -
3 Near future
Sometimes, speakers use the Present Continuous to indicate that something will or will not happen in the near future. Example: Is he visiting his parents next weekend?. -
4 Repetition and irritation with "Always"
The Present Continuous with words such as "always" or "constantly" expresses the idea that something irritating or shocking often happens. Notice that the meaning is like Simple Present, but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words "always" or "constantly" between "be" and "verb+ing´´. Example: She is always coming to class late.
