Utilisation du présent continu en anglais

Study Notes

Use of the Present Continuous Tense in BE + V-ing

The present continuous tense, formed with "be" + "-ing" verb form, describes actions happening now, at the time of speaking.
It describes actions in progress around the moment of speaking, not always right now.
It describes temporary situations or actions during a specific period.

Examples of Present continuous with "be" + V-ing

I am studying now. (Action happening at the moment of speaking)
She is working on a project. (Action in progress, not necessarily immediate)
We are having dinner. (Action in progress, during the dinner period)
They are playing tennis in the park. (Action happening in the park now)

Differences from simple present tense

The simple present describes habitual actions, facts, general truths, or schedules.
The present continuous emphasizes the temporary and dynamic aspects of the action.
I work at a hospital. (Habitual, simple present)
I am working overtime tonight. (Temporary, present continuous)
The sun rises in the east. (Fact, simple present)
The sun is setting. (Action happening now, present continuous)

Common uses of the present continuous with "be + V-ing"

Actions happening at the moment of speaking
Actions happening during a period around the present moment
Temporary situations
Intentions or planned actions for the near future
Expressing annoyance or dissatisfaction (using adverbs like "always")

More complex uses/specific situations.

Actions planned for the near future (involving plans or arrangements, and a specific timeframe)
Expressing annoyance or dissatisfaction. For example: "You are always interrupting me." (Describes a habit)
Describing ongoing processes involving external change. For example, "The new bridge is being built."
Describing a specific ongoing event or something new. For example: "They are having a party this weekend."

Contrasting Examples highlighting the differences

She plays the piano every day. (Simple present - habitual action)
She is playing the piano now. (Present continuous - action happening at this moment)
We live in London. (Simple present - permanent situation)
We are living in London for six months. (Present continuous - temporary situation)
The train operates daily. (Simple present)
The train is running late today. (Present continuous - temporary situation)
He goes to work by bus every day. (Simple present — habitual)
He is going to work by bus today. (Present continuous - planned for presently)

Negation and question formation

Negation: "I am not studying." "They are not playing."
Question formation: "Are you working?" "Is she talking now?"

Note on the adverb "now"

The adverb "now" can be used with the present continuous, but it isn't always required. The meaning emphasizes the action is within the conversation's timeframe.

Note on the use of "be" + V-ing in phrases.

Some phrases consistently use the present continuous, even if the action seems like a continuous state. For example, "I'm looking forward to..."

Description

Ce quiz explore l'utilisation du temps présent continu en anglais, formé avec 'être' + verbe en '-ing'. Vous apprendrez à distinguer les actions en cours et les situations temporaires, ainsi que les différences avec le présent simple. Testez vos connaissances avec des exemples concrets et des exercices pratiques.