4/12/2013



The Present Continuous Tense

I am eating.
I'm eating
You are eating.
You're eating.

He is eating.
He's eating.
She is eating.
She's eating.
It is eating.
It's eating.
We are eating.
We're eating.
(You + I = We)
  I
you
You are eating.
You're eating.
They are eating.
They're eating.




This man is eating soup.

She is winking at you.

Sentence
formula
example
positif
(+)
 S + be(am/is/are) + V1-ing/pres. participle
The ships are sailing
He is smiling
negatif
(-)
 S + be(am/is/are) + not + V1-ing/pres.  participle
The ships are not sailing
He is not smiling
interogatif
(?)
 be(am/is/are) + S + V1-ing/pres. participle?
are the ships sailing
Is he smiling

Singular
Plural

I am swimming
We are swimming
You are swimming
You are swimming
He is swimming
She is swimming
It is swimming
They are swimming

 The Present Continuous Tense usually describes things that are happening now, but it can also be used to describe important things in your life, and future activity.
Do not confuse the present continuous tense with the "going to" future or with gerunds.
Contraction: Subject + (be). Example: He + is = He's
The Present Continuous Tense - When to use
·         We use the Present Continuous Tense to talk about activities happening now.
    Examples
       The boys are watching movie.
       I am sitting down, because I am tired.
       I am not learning German, because this is an English class.
       Who are you writing to?
·         We can also use the Present Continuous Tense to talk about activities happening around now, and not necessarily this very moment.
    Examples
       Sally is studying really hard for her exams this week.
       I am reading a really interesting book now.
       How are you brushing up on your English for the trip?
       We aren't working hard these days.
·         The Present Continuous Tense is also used to talk about activities happening in the near future, especially for planned future events.
    Examples
       I am seeing my dentist on Wednesday.
       Polly is coming for dinner tomorrow.
       Are you doing anything tonight?
       We aren't going on holiday next week.