How the present continuous tense is formed. Simple present and present continuous in English

Present Progressive (Present Continuous) tense- present continuous tense. In most cases, this tense indicates that the action is happening right now. For us Russians, Present Continuous may seem too difficult to understand at first. This is not surprising, because in Russian there are no such verb tenses. For example, the sentence “I play the balalaika” in Russian can mean that I am playing now or that I am playing at all (I know how to play). In English it is two different offers. However, we also use some verbs differently in different situations.

IN in general terms: if we want to say that the action is happening right now, then we use the Present Continuous (Present Progressive) form. But this is not the only case of using this temporary form. But more on this later. First, let's answer the question - How is Present Progressive (Continuous) formed?

Formation of Present Continuous: elementary rules and examples

The Present Progressive is formed quite simply: we take the verb to be, put it in the appropriate form for the subject (we change it in accordance with the subject - I am, he is, my mother is and so on) and add the corresponding verb with the ending ing, which is “attached” to its base.

Too difficult? Let's look at a diagram illustrating this process.

Still not clear? Okay, let's look at examples. To do this, let's take the verb to think- think. Since it ends in a consonant, when adding ing nothing will be discarded, that is, we get - thinking. If we want to say “I am thinking” (about something at the moment), then we will succeed - I am thinking. Now with other people:

Negative and interrogative forms are formed very simply:

Interrogative form	Negative form

Am I think ing? - I think?	I am don't think ing. - I don't think (I'm not thinking.)
Are you think ing? - You think?	You are don't think ing. - You do not think. (You aren't thinking.)
Is he think ing? - He thinks?	He is don't think ing. - He doesn't think. (He isn't thinking.)
Is she think ing? - She thinks?	She is don't think ing. - She doesn't think. (She isn't thinking.)
Is it think ing? - Does it think?	It is don't think ing. - It doesn't think. (It isn't thinking.)
Are we think ing? - We are thinking?	We are don't think ing. - We don't think so. (We're not thinking.)
Are they think ng? - They think?	They are don't think ing. - They don't think. (They aren't thinking.)

Rules for using the Present Continuous and examples

Forming the Present Continuous form is quite simple. The most difficult thing is the correct use of this form. The point is that there are several cases when it is necessary to use the Present Continuous tense and not some other tense. Briefly, all these cases are indicated using a diagram:

This scheme is not yet entirely clear to us, but it will be useful in order to quickly remember the main cases of using the present progressive.

So, Present Continuous is used:

1. Designation of what is happening or not happening now, at the moment (now, at the moment).

I’m studying the present continuous . - I have been studying the present for a long time.
I'm not watching TV at the moment. — I’m not watching TV at the moment.
I'm sitting now.- I'm sitting now.
I'm using the Internet. — I use the Internet.
We're talking about life. — We talk about life.
She's not listening to me. — She doesn’t listen to me (now).

2. Designation of what is happening now in the broad sense of the word - today, this month, this year, and so on. Temporary situations that we feel or know will not last.

I am studying to become a teacher. — I am studying to become a teacher (for example, 5 years).
Are you working on any special projects at work? — Are you (now) working on some kind of work project?
I’m living in Moscow for a few months. — I’ve been living in Moscow for several months.
I'm reading a great book. — I am reading a wonderful book (Now, these days. Reading a book is a long process).
He’s living with his mother until he finds an apartment. — He lives with his mother until he finds an apartment.

3. New or temporary habits that have not always existed.

My father is smoking too much . (He used to smoke less or not at all).
My cat’s eating a lot these days . (She never ate so much before).

4. Repetitive, annoying actions, habits using always, constantly, forever:

I don’t like him because he is always complaining.
They're forever being late.
My sister is always losing her keys.

5. Plans for the near future

I’m leaving at 5 am. — I leave at 5 am.
Are you visiting your parents next weekend? — Will you visit your parents next weekend?
I am not going to the party tonight. — I won't go to the party today.

6. Situation change (usually slow) - little by little, gradually etc.

My son is getting better at playing the guitar.
The weather is improving.

These were all the rules for the formation and use of the present continuous (the present progressive).

You are now reading this text. No, the author of the article is not falling into insanity, but simply used in the first sentence something that you will have to translate into English in the Continuous tense. This is probably the simplest of all times. Because it is very easy to solve: a verb in the form Continuous/Progressive (long/continued) expresses only an action that occurs in a certain period of time and has not yet been completed.

For example: you are now reading this sentence (Present Continuous). Yesterday, when you woke up, it was snowing outside (in the case of snow - Past Continuous). And in a couple of months you will be packing your suitcase for a trip to the sea (Future Continuous).

The only difficulty that only the lazy could find is the use of an auxiliary verb to form the Continuous. And this verb - to be . If you were a good student, then you have long known all its forms:

Am (for yourself, loved one)
Is (for someone else in the singular)
Are (for someone else in the plural)
Was (in the past tense for one person)
Were (past tense for several)
Will be (in the future tense for everyone; you can also use shall for the first person)

Well, one more feature is ing endings ( -ing). The so-called “ing” form is Participle I.

1. Present Continuous(Present continuous tense)

Used to denote an action that is being performed right now (at the moment of speech) or in the present period of time:
"The leaves are falling, falling, falling, falling".

Markers:
now, still, at present, at the moment, while, meanwhile.

The affirmative form is formed using a verb to be+ main verb with ending -ing:
I am reading. He is reading. You are reading.

Negative form: to be + not+ verb with -ing.
They are not reading.

Interrogative form:
Are they reading?

2. Past Continuous(Past continuous tense)

Used to denote an action that was performed at a certain point in the past:
“The reeds rustled, the trees bent.”

Markers:
still, while, during, for 3 hours/days/weeks, all day long yesterday, from … till …

Affirmative form: was/were+ verb with -ing.
I was eating all day long.

Negative form: was/were + not+ verb with -ing.
They were not playing.

Interrogative form: Was she playing?

3. Future Continuous(Future continuous tense)

Indicates an action that will be performed in a certain period of time or point in the future: “I will ride the bike for a long time.”

Markers:
still, from … to …, meanwhile, for 3 hours/days/years, during.

Affirmative form: will/shall + be+ verb with -ing.
They will be laughing.

Negative form: will/shall + not+be+ verb with -ing.
I will not be crying.

Interrogative form: Will it be raining?

There are, of course, some more nuances of using the Present Continuous, but by and large, with little things you can gain information for another couple of volumes on grammar. To get started, what is described in this article is enough. To consolidate the material, we strongly recommend that you start polishing your acquired knowledge by listening to a lesson about lasting tenses in a musical, entertaining, and exciting presentation. The most sophisticated music lovers and English lovers will like it!

Present Continuous - present long-term tense of English verbs, which can also be called Present Progressive. A very common form of the verb, it has no analogue in Russian, but is not particularly difficult to understand.

Present Continuous, as a separate time, is not indicated in Russian, so at first it causes some confusion, however, you usually quickly get used to it, especially after several dozen exercises (see the end of the article).

First, a small digression from the topic to talk about the grammar textbook with which we will now study the present continuum. This textbook is considered the best of all time: "English Grammar in Use" Murphy. Anyone who has ever held this book in their hands understands this perfectly. The textbook was already so well and conveniently structured that I immediately wanted to study English grammar. Now it has been released in its fourth edition, it has become even better, it is also now available online, it is much more convenient, since it is voiced.

There are also video lessons, one of which, on the topic of present continuum, we will now watch. Then you can follow the link at the end of the video and try studying the textbook online - there is a free trial period. Everything is very clear and convenient.

By the way, a special free application has been published for tablets and smartphones. So you can teach English grammar anytime and anywhere. Study for the best materials, you are wasting your precious time, you need to spend it efficiently.

Rules for using Present continuus

Present continuous tense present continuos (Present Continuos) in Anna’s explanation in English (in Russian, see Sentences (examples)):

Formation table Present Continuous

In order to understand new material well, we sometimes need to get an explanation from different people. In addition, we are all so different that everyone generally needs to find their own personal best explanation.

So watch another lesson Irina Shipilova- this young girl has amazing energy, such infectious lessons, I think that she is the one who will best explain the Present Continuous to someone.

Suggestions (examples) of using Present Continuous

1. The action is happening right now at the time of conversation, it is not finished (activity in progress).

Don't interrupt me. I'm working.
Why aren't you working?
Alice is writing a book.
We are going for a walk.
He is not drinking.
I'm stressing about my test.
She is texting a message.

2. Temporary activity

We are living in a hotel until we can find a house to buy.
You are being very silly today. Usually you are so sensitive.

3. Possibly incomplete activity.

Sometimes the present continuum is used if no action occurs at the moment of conversation, but it is implied that it occurs in principle. This is well explained by the example with a book: you started reading a book, now you’re not specifically reading it, but since you haven’t finished it yet, you will continue reading it, so feel free to say

I'm reading the book.
We are building the house.
They are studying languages.

4. Present Continuous is used with words like: today, this week, this year:

You are working hard today/ this week/ this year

Exceptions.

There are four groups of stative verbs that are rarely used in the present continuum because they have the idea of permanence and completeness.

These are state of mind verbs: believe, think, assume, consider, understand, suppose, expect, agree, know, remember, forget
Verbs of emotions: like, love, detest, envy, hate, hope, prefer, wish, want
Verbs of belonging and being: belong, own, depend, contain, cost, seem, apper, need, have
Verbs of feelings: see, hear, taste, smell

However, if these verbs express activity rather than state, they can be used in the present continuum, for example:

I’m seeing Polly this afternoon (“see” means “meet”)
I’m tasting the pasta to see if it needs more salt (express an activity)
She is expecting a baby (she is pregnant)

And if you want to explain Present Continuous to your kids, show them this funny cartoon, and at the same time practice yourself, there are many examples of use here

As a gift for the material studied

with the use of Present Continuous for you. Well, below are the exercises - check how much you know the material.

Comprehension exercises (tests)

1. Present continuum (elementary level) 10 questions

Choose the correct answer

Start Quiz

Hello my wonderful readers.

Didn't you know that I absolutely love grammar? Yes, for some it seems like a complete nightmare, but I love analyzing every new rule, every new phenomenon. And of course, I dream that everyone knows her, if not perfectly, then at least well. Therefore, today we will study in more detail my favorite topic - "Rules Present Continuous". We will learn in detail when it is used, how this time is formed, and also see dozens of examples.

Well, are you ready?

What is it and when is it used?

I hope you remember that in English we have as many as 16 tenses, as opposed to only 3 in Russian. So, to describe those events that are happening right now, at this moment in time, we use Present Continuous.

Let's look at examples:

I am reading- I'm reading (right now).

My mother is cooking a dinner.- Mom is preparing dinner.

Bethany is cleaning the house.- Bethany cleans the house.

In all these cases, the action is happening right now! The most important thing for children who are just starting to learn grammar is to understand this particular rule. This is the basics that will be easy to handle at first.

But then it will be more difficult, because the use of the Present Continuous is not limited only to this rule. In English there is such a concept - future arrangements- planned future actions. This is, for example, when you say that you are going to the doctor tomorrow, or your father has a planned interview. Surprisingly, in English they are also used in this tense.

I am going to my doctor tomorrow.- Tomorrow I'm going to see my doctor.

I am visiting grandmother this weekend.- This weekend I am visiting my grandmother.

She is having a very important meeting tomorrow. - Tomorrow she has a very important meeting.

It is not uncommon to see this tense used to describe actions that do not occur specifically at a given moment, but are temporary in general. Let's figure it out:

Tom is studying hard this month. He is having an exam next week. -Tom is studying hard. He has an exam next week.

“Doing” in this context does not mean doing something right now. The time period of the action covers a whole month, but it is very important for us to show that this was a direct process.

Mary is working late for the last couple of weeks. She is having a project presentation next month.-Maria has been working late for the past few weeks. She has a project presentation next month.

Very often Present Continuous used with adverb always-always to express your irritation about something.

You are always leaving your cup on the table.- You always leave the cup on the table.

She is always making things worse. - She always makes things worse.

Moreover, this time is often used when you need to describe a changing situation. For example:

The cities are becoming bigger and bigger.- Cities are getting bigger and bigger.

The climate is getting warmer.- The climate is getting warmer.

Important information about verbs!

It is very important to remember that there is table of verbs that cannot be used in the Present Continuous tense. These are verbs such as:

like, dislike, hate, own, feel, taste, smell, enjoy, prefer, understand, realize, include, contain, cost, appear, mean.

When, according to the meaning of the sentence, we need to put them in a long time, we still use Present Simple. Let's see examples:

I don’t believe a word he is saying.- I don't believe a single word he says.

Not: I am not believing a word he is saying.

I see a plane in the sky.- I see a plane in the sky.

Not:I am seeing a plane in the sky

But there are also some nuances here. And I dedicated a separate article to them. This is the English language - all in nuances

Education rules

The general rule for the formation of time can be stated as follows:

Subject + auxiliary verb to be + verb ending -ing (V-ing) + object.

She (subject) is (auxiliary) baking (verb) a cake (object) . - It's preparing a pie.

He is repairing a car. - He is fixing the car.

They are swimming in the sea. - They swim in the sea.

IN negative form a particle is added to the auxiliary verb not. – note that often, especially in colloquial speech, it is shortened, merging with the verb “to be”.

Subject + auxiliary verb to be + not + verb ending -ing (V-ing) + object.

She isn’t (is not) studying for the exam. She's having a break. - She is not preparing for the exam. She's on a break.

He isn’t (is not) painting the door as the paint has finished.- He doesn’t paint the door because he’s run out of paint.

They aren't (are not) driving home. They are going to the lake.- They're not going home. They are going to the lake.

To make an interrogative sentence, you simply swap the auxiliary verb and the subject of the action.

Auxiliary verb to be + subject + verb ending -ing (V-ing) + object?

Is he reading a book?- He is reading a book?

Are they building a house on the tree?-Are they building a tree house?

Is she looking at that boy?- Is she looking at that boy?

And finally...

Remember, my dears, that the best thing you can do when learning English is exercise. Without practice chances Learning a language for any person is minimal. Right now you can practice the new rule in or on my website. And in what I recommended, you will find even more useful tasks. For full review times of the English language, you can always refer to this table and to

I hope, my dears, that the topic Tenses-times you liked it as much as I did. I am absolutely sure that you will soon fall in love with them, because there is nothing complicated here. And I will share new materials with you. Stay tuned for my blog updates. And if you really can’t wait, subscribe to my newsletter and find out about everything instantly.