Present Continous/ Progressive Tense
(now, right now,at present, these days, nowadays, still, today, tonight etc.)
How to make it
Affirmative: Subject + am/is/are + Verb + ing
Present continuous is formed with the verb to be in the present, the base form of the verb,
and –ing ending.
If the base verb is monosyllabic and ends in consonant + stressed vowel + consonant,
double the final letter ( sit- sitting ; put- putting; stop- stopping)
If the base verb is disyllabic, ends in consonant + stressed vowel + consonant, and the last
syllable is stressed, double the final letter. (begin- beginning; regret- regretting)
If tge base verb ends in ie, ie changes to y. (die- dying; lie- lying)
If the base verb ends in vowel + consonant +e, drop the e. (come- comeing ; have- having ;
smile- smiling)
Negative: Subject + am/is/are not+ Verb + ing
Make the negative by adding not to the verb to be. The contracted forms are more usual,
especially in informal (spoken) English.
Interrogative: am/is/are not + Subject + Verb + ing
Ask questions in the present continuous by using the verb to be, the subject, the base form
and ing.
Be careful! There are some verbs that are not normally used in continuous verb
tenses. Because they refer to states, rather than to actions or processes, these are called
statice verbs.
Perception verbs: see*,hear, feel*, smell, taste (these verbs are often preceded by „can” ),
know, understand, realise, remember, forget
Opinion verbs: assume, believe, consider*. doubt, find (= consider), suppose, think*
Mental states verbs: envy, fear, dislike, hate, hope, like, loathe, love, mind, prefer, regret,
want, wish, desire
Measurement verbs: contain, cost, hold, measure, weigh
Others: look (=resemble), seem, be (in most cases), have (when means „possess”), own,
belong to, sound, appear, belong, keep, own, owe, fit*
*There verbs may be used in the continuous aspect but whit different meaning.
E.g I can see. (perception)
He is seeing the dentist tomorrow. (He has an appointment, meeting))
I have a sister. (possession,own)
We are having breakfast. (We are eating)
I am having a great time. ( am experiencing)
He is having a shower. ( is taking)
The blanket feels warm. (your perception of the blanket’s qualities)
Are you feeling ok? (How is your health?)
I consider you my friend. (This is my opinion)
I’m considering moving to Italy. (I’m thinking about it.)
I think the movie is a blast. (opinion)
I’m thinking about my childhood. (I’m deep in thought)
We are thinking about moving house (are considering)
The pasta smells very good. (has the aroma)
She is smelling the roses. ( is sniffing)
The cake tastes delicious. ( it is, has the flavour of)
Bill is tasting the soup to see if it needs more salt. (is testing)
He appears to know where he’s going.( seems to)
He is appearing in a play at the Rex. ( is performing)
The shoes fit him perfectly. (are the right size)
Tom is fitting a new lock on the front door. ( is attaching)
The verb enjoy can be used in continuous tenses to express a specific preference.
He’s enjoying the party very much. (specific preference)
Bill really enjoys playing squash. ( general preference)
The verbs look (when we refer to somebody’s appearance), feel (experience a
particular emotion), hurt and ache can be used in simple or cintinous tenses with no
difference in meaning.
I feel very happy = I am feeling very happy
When to use it
Now To express an action that is in progress at the moment of speaking.
E.g It is rainging cats and dogs.
Some guys are jogging down the street.
Longer Actions in Progress Now To express an action that is happening around
now (before and just after now) and is not permanent or habitual.
E.g (All of these sentences can be said while eating dinner in a restaurant.)
John is taking computer classes.
The chef is trying new recipes these days.
Near Future Sometimes, speakers use the Present Continuous to indicate that
something will or will not happen in the near future. (To express a planned action)
E.g We are moving to London next week.
They are visiting us in the afternoon.
I am meeting some friends after work.
Repetition and Irritation with "always", „forever” and „constantly”); the meaning
is like Present Simple but with negative emotion.
E.g You are always getting late to class!
The kids are constantly breaking my windows!
He is forever lying to his wife!
To express a temporary action or state of mind.
E.g He goes to school by bus, but this morning is taking a cab.
My father usually teaches geometry, but he is teaching algebra this year.
I usually celebrate my birthday at the restaurant, but this year I am celebrating it at
home.