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Questions and Answers
The present continuous is formed with the present tense of the verb 'to be' (am, is, are) + the present participle of the main verb (e.g., ______ form).
The present continuous is formed with the present tense of the verb 'to be' (am, is, are) + the present participle of the main verb (e.g., ______ form).
ing
I am eating breakfast ______ now.
I am eating breakfast ______ now.
right
The company is ______ its business to Asia.
The company is ______ its business to Asia.
expanding
He is always ______ his dirty socks on the floor.
He is always ______ his dirty socks on the floor.
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I am working on this project ______ now, so I don't have time to talk.
I am working on this project ______ now, so I don't have time to talk.
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Many people are ______ social media these days.
Many people are ______ social media these days.
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The present continuous tense is formed using the present tense of the verb 'to be' and the present participle of the main verb (e.g. ______ form).
The present continuous tense is formed using the present tense of the verb 'to be' and the present participle of the main verb (e.g. ______ form).
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The present continuous is used to describe an action that is in progress at the moment of ______.
The present continuous is used to describe an action that is in progress at the moment of ______.
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Verbs ending in -ie, -oe, or -ye change the -ie to -y and add ______.
Verbs ending in -ie, -oe, or -ye change the -ie to -y and add ______.
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The present continuous is used to describe a temporary or ______ situation.
The present continuous is used to describe a temporary or ______ situation.
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I am ______ to the gym tomorrow.
I am ______ to the gym tomorrow.
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Verbs ending in a consonant + -y, change the -y to -i and add ______.
Verbs ending in a consonant + -y, change the -y to -i and add ______.
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Study Notes
Present Continuous
Formation
- Formed with the present tense of the verb "to be" (am, is, are) + the present participle of the main verb (e.g., -ing form)
- Examples:
- I am studying English.
- She is working on a new project.
- They are traveling to Europe.
Uses
-
Temporary actions: to describe an action that is happening at the moment of speaking
- I am eating breakfast right now.
-
Future plans: to describe an action that is planned or arranged for the future
- I am meeting my friend at 7pm tonight.
-
Changing situations: to describe a trend or a changing situation
- The company is expanding its business to Asia.
-
Annoying habits: to describe an annoying or irritating habit
- He is always leaving his dirty socks on the floor.
Special uses
-
Emphasis: to emphasize that an action is in progress
- I am working on this project right now, so I don't have time to talk.
-
Contrast: to contrast with a more general or permanent situation
- I am usually busy on Mondays, but today I am free.
Common expressions
-
At the moment: used to emphasize that the action is happening now
- I am working on a new project at the moment.
-
Right now: used to emphasize that the action is happening at this exact time
- I am eating lunch right now.
-
These days: used to describe a general trend or situation
- Many people are using social media these days.
Forming Present Continuous
- Present continuous is formed using the present tense of the verb "to be" (am, is, are) and the present participle of the main verb (-ing form)
Uses of Present Continuous
Temporary Actions
- Describes an action that is happening at the moment of speaking
- Examples: I am eating breakfast right now, I am studying for my exam
Future Plans
- Describes an action that is planned or arranged for the future
- Examples: I am meeting my friend at 7pm tonight, They are traveling to Europe next month
Changing Situations
- Describes a trend or a changing situation
- Examples: The company is expanding its business to Asia, The weather is getting colder
Annoying Habits
- Describes an annoying or irritating habit
- Examples: He is always leaving his dirty socks on the floor, She is constantly checking her phone
Special Uses of Present Continuous
Emphasis
- Emphasizes that an action is in progress
- Examples: I am working on this project right now, so I don't have time to talk
Contrast
- Contrasts with a more general or permanent situation
- Examples: I am usually busy on Mondays, but today I am free
Common Expressions with Present Continuous
- At the moment: used to emphasize that the action is happening now
- Right now: used to emphasize that the action is happening at this exact time
- These days: used to describe a general trend or situation
- Examples: I am working on a new project at the moment, I am eating lunch right now, Many people are using social media these days
Present Continuous
Formation
- Present continuous tense is formed using the present tense of the verb "to be" and the present participle of the main verb (e.g. -ing form).
- The structure is: subject + verb "to be" (present tense) + main verb (present participle).
Uses
Actions Happening Now
- Describe an action that is in progress at the moment of speaking.
- Examples: I am writing an email, She is studying for her exam.
Temporary Situations
- Describe a temporary or changing situation.
- Examples: I am living with my parents, They are working on a new project.
Frequent or Annoying Actions
- Describe an action that happens frequently or is annoying.
- Examples: I am always forgetting my keys, He is constantly checking his phone.
Future Plans
- Describe a planned action in the near future.
- Examples: I am going to the gym tomorrow, They are moving to a new house next month.
Spelling Rules
- Verbs ending in -ie, -oe, or -ye: change the -ie to -y and add -ing.
- Examples: die -> dying, go -> going, tie -> tying
- Verbs ending in a consonant + -y: change the -y to -i and add -ing.
- Examples: try -> trying, fly -> flying
- Verbs ending in a vowel + -e: drop the -e and add -ing.
- Examples: love -> loving, move -> moving
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Description
Test your knowledge of the present continuous tense in English grammar, including its formation and uses in describing temporary actions and future plans.
