PRESENT PROGRESSIVE TENSE
SPEAKING SUCCESS B2
Part 1
Instructor: Sardar Nasrat Lashkari, EFL Instructor at MELI,
and CEO of Speak & Win
DEFINITION
Happening
Ongoing
Continuing
Not finished
It is a tense that shows activities that are in progress now.
e.g
We are studying English online.
We are studying English online now.
Present
(now)
Past Future
SPEAK & WIN
FOR EXAMPLE:
We are studying English online now.
Continuous
Or
Present Progressive
Present Progressive Tense
SPEAK & WIN
Am/is/am + ing form of the verb
HOW TO MAKE A SENTENCE?
Subject +[am / is / are] + [verb+ing]+ Object / Complement
• I am watching TV.
• We are studying English online.
• He is quickly learning the language.
NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part
such as Present Continuous (is learning), adverbs often come between
the first part and the second part (is quickly learning).
HOW TO MAKE A SENTENCE?
Subject +[am / is / are] + not + [verb+ing]+ Object / Complement
• I am not watching TV.
• We are not studying English online.
• He is not quickly learning the language.
HOW TO MAKE A SENTENCE?
[Am / Is / Are] + Subject+ [verb+ing]+ Object / Complement + ?
• Am I Watching TV?
• Are we Studying English Online?
• Is he Quickly Learning The Language?
MORE EXAMPLES
Part 2
USAGES
USE 1 Now
Use the Present Continuous with Continuous Verbs to express the idea that something is
happening now, at this very moment. It can also be used to show that something is not happening
now.
EXAMPLES
1. You are learning English now.
2. You are not swimming now.
3. I am sitting.
4. I am not standing.
5. They are reading their books.
6. They are not watching television.
7. What are you doing?
8. Why aren't you doing your homework?
USAGE
USE 2 Longer Actions in Progress Now
In English, now can mean "this second," "today," "this month," "this year," "this century" and so
on. Sometimes we use the Present Continuous to say that we are in the process of doing a
longer action which is in progress; however, we might not be doing it at this exact second.
EXAMPLES
I am studying to become a doctor.
I am not studying to become a dentist.
I am reading the book Tom Sawyer.
I am not reading any books right now.
Are you working on any special projects at work?
Aren't you teaching at the University now?
USAGE
USE 3 Near Future
Sometimes, speakers use the Present Continuous to
indicate that something will or will not happen in the near
future. In this usage, stating the future time
expression is important.
• Tomorrow, next week, next year…
EXAMPLES:
I am meeting some friends after work.
I am not going to the party tonight.
Is he visiting his parents next weekend?
Isn't he coming with us tonight?
USAGE
USE 4 Repetition and Irritation with "Always"
The Present Continuous with words such as "always" or "constantly"
expresses the idea that something irritating or shocking often happens. Notice
that the meaning is like Simple Present but with negative emotion. Remember
to put the words "always" or "constantly" between "be" and "verb+ing."
EXAMPLES
She is always coming to class late.
He is constantly talking. I wish he would shut up.
I don't like them because they are always complaining.
IMPORTANT NON-CONTINUOUS VERBS/ MIXED VERBS
It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in
any "continuous" tenses. Also, certain "non-continuous" meanings for Mixed
Verbs cannot be used in "continuous" tenses. To express the idea of
"happening now", you must use Simple Present USE 3.
EXAMPLES:
She is loving chocolate. Not Correct
She loves chocolate. Correct
SOME NON- CONTINUOUS VERBS
Thank you
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