Dear readers of the English Voyage blog! Today you will learn how to use one more tense of the English verb.In the grammar tables below, we will consider the formation of the affirmative, interrogative and negative forms Present Continuous (Progressive). After the tables and a useful video, you can independently translate Russian sentences into English using the present for a long time. If you do not confuse the forms and translate sentences with am, is, are without mistakes, then you will easily remember the formation of time.

To get started, watch this video tutorial carefully. Here they calmly and in detail talk about the construction and use of Present Continuous. At the end - an exercise (do not be too lazy to do it :).

Present Continuous Time used:

to describe the action that occurs at the time of speech. For example: She is singing a song now. She is singing a song now.

to describe a temporary action that does not occur at the present moment of speech (at the same minute, second), but at the present time period. For example: I am working on the project. I'm working on the project. (This does not mean this moment, but during the limited present period, which will soon end).

to describe repetitive actions that cause irritation, disapproval of the speaker. Especially with adverbs like always, constantly, repeatedly, which are translated, as a rule, into Russian by the word Forever. For example: You are always shouting at me! You always yell at me!

Marker words(read more about marker words in the article) for Present Continuous: now, at the moment, this week, today. For the future - tomorrow, next week.

Present Continuous Time NOT used with State verbs - verbs that describe the state of mind, body or mind, as well as ongoing relationships. State verbs include the following English verbs: appear (meaning "to seem"), assume - to believe, be - to be, believe - to believe, consider, belong - to belong, consider (meaning "to consider"), consist - to consist, contain - to contain, cost - to cost, depend - to depend, detest - to be disgusted, envy - to envy, equal - to be equal, exist - to exist, expect - to expect, feel (in the meanings "to evoke sensation", "to be to the touch" and "to count"), fit - to fit, forget - to forget, hate - to hate, have (meaning "to have"), hear - to hear, include - to include, know - to know, lack - to miss, like - to like, look (meaning "to look"), love - to love, matter - to have a meaning, mean - to mean, need - to need, owe - to be due, own - to possess, possess - to possess, prefer - to prefer, realize - to be aware, remember - to remember, see (in the meanings "to perceive by sight", "to understand" ), seem - to seem, smell (meaning "to smell"), taste (meaning "to have a taste"), tend - to have a tendency, think (meaning "to count"), understand - understand at, want - to want, wish - to want, weigh (meaning "to weigh"). We'll take a closer look at state verbs in future posts.

THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS (PROGRESSIVE) TENSE

Affirmative form

Interrogative form

(yes / no questions - general questions)?

Interrogative form

(WH-? - special questions)?

negative form

Before you say a sentence, think about the verb. If this is a state verb, then instead of Present Continuous, you need to use Present Simple. For example, “I love pizza” - “I love (like) pizza”.

So, today we looked at Present Continuous shaping. If you have any questions on the topic or need additional explanations, write in the comments. I am happy to answer all your questions. Expect new articles in the section.

Present Continuous seems incomprehensible to many students, because there is no such analogue in our native language. Let's figure out how it is formed and in what cases the present is used for a long time in order to make friends with it once and for all.

Present Continuous in some textbooks is called Present Progressive - remember that they are the same thing. Most often, Present Continuous describes an action that occurs over a period of time in the present. But this time has other functions as well. We will show you how to use it correctly depending on your specific situation.

If you want to learn more grammar topics, sign up with your future teacher.

Present Continuous time is formed according to the scheme:

In order not to be mistaken in the spelling of the verb with the ending -ing, pay attention to the following rules:

• if the verb ends in a vowel -e, then it is omitted: bake - baking;
• when the verb ends in vowels -ie, they change to -y: tie - tying;
• if the verb ends in one consonant letter, before which there is a stressed vowel sound, then the consonant letter at the end is doubled: let - letting, begin - beginning, regret - regretting.

Affirmative sentence:

She is petting her dog now. - She is now stroking your dog.

In a negative sentence, the particle not is placed between the auxiliary and the main verbs.

She is not (isn’t) petting her dog now. - She is now does not iron your dog.

In an interrogative sentence, the auxiliary verb is put in the first place, then the subject and the main form of the verb follow.

Is she petting her dog now? - She is now stroking your dog?

Below you can see how Present Continuous is formed in affirmative, negative and interrogative sentences.

Present Continuous Use Cases

Consider examples of the use of Present Continuous, starting with the simplest and gradually moving to more complex ones.

For beginner and intermediate levels

1. Present Continuous time is used to describe the action that is currently taking place:

   Listen! The music is playing... - Listen! Music plays.
   Hush! The kids are sleeping... - Shh! Children sleeping.

   In such a situation, marker words are often encountered: now (now), right now (at this very minute), at the moment (at the moment), at present (at present). These are kind of pointers to the present for a long time.

   Steve is watching TV at the moment. - Now Steve looks television.

2. Present Continuous is used to describe continuous actions in the present, even if they do not occur at the time of speech. That is, for some time, we periodically perform this action:

   Jessica is learning French. - Jessica teaches French. (she has been studying French for a while and will continue to learn it, but she is not busy learning French right now)

   In this situation, Present Continuous marker words such as now, these days, currently are also often encountered. They are translated "now", "at the current moment."

   Pete is currently training to participate in the Olympics. - Pete training now to participate in the Olympic Games. (he is currently attending training and will continue until the Olympics, but he is not in training right now)

3. Present Continuous is used to describe the changes taking place in a situation and the development process. In such constructions, the action is often conveyed by the verbs to get (to become), to increase (to increase / increase), to decrease (to decrease / decrease), to rise (to rise), to fall (to fall), to start (to begin / begin), to change (change / change), etc.

   An average day temperature is slowly increasing... - Average temperature gradually increases.
   The petrol is getting cheaper day by day. - Fuel every day cheaper.

4. Present Continuous can be used to indicate events in the near future, but only if it concerns planned actions. The future in such sentences indicates the time, days of the week, or the words tomorrow (tomorrow), next week (next week), next month (next month), next year (next year).

   Cris is buying a new phone tomorrow. - Tomorrow Chris buy new phone. (he has already chosen a model, put money aside for the phone)
   We are flying to India next week. - Next week we we fly to India. (the trip has already been planned, tickets have been bought, the trip will definitely take place)

   When talking about the near future, we often use the verbs of movement: to go (to go), to leave (to leave), to come (to come). These verbs indicate that the action will be performed immediately or in the near future.

   I don’t feel well. I am going to bed. - I do not feel myself well. I AM go sleep. (I will take this action immediately)
   I "m coming in 5 minutes. Can you meet me up? - I AM come In 5 minutes. Will you meet me? (I'm on my way and about to come.)

5. Present Continuous helps to express dissatisfaction or irritation when used with the words constantly (constantly), all the time (all the time), always (always). This is how we show that some regular or frequent action causes negative emotions.

   Susan is always leaving her coffee mug in the sink. - Susan constantly leaves my coffee cup in the sink. (the action takes place regularly, and the speaker is unhappy with this situation)

6. There are verbs that are not used in Present Continuous. These are stative verbs that express feelings and thought processes: to know, to forget, to notice, to understand, to recognize, to remember ( remember), to love, to hate, to want, to need, to believe, to hear, etc.

   I know which bus to take to get home. - I AM I know which bus you need to take to get home. (knowledge is my state, not action)

For high level

The present long tense in English can also be used in the following situations:

1. There are verbs that in one sense are state verbs and cannot be used in the present for a long time, and in another sense they act as action verbs and can be used in Present Continuous. Let's take a look at some examples:

   to think - consider, believe (state) and to think - think (action)
   to see - see (state) and to see - meet, see (action)
   to have - to have (state) and to have as part of a stable expression, for example, to have breakfast (have breakfast), to have a good time (have a good time)

   I think it is a nice jacket. - I AM I think that this is a nice jacket. (it's my opinion)
   What are you thinking about? - What are you talking about think? (At the moment)

   The use of the Present Continuous form with some verbs of the state (to attract - to attract, to like - to like, to love - to love) is possible in the case when the speaker wants to emphasize the temporality of his feelings.

   Usually I don’t like music festivals, but I am loving this one. - I usually do not like music festivals but this me love... (the speaker emphasizes that this is the festival he likes right now.)

   Some verbs describing thought processes (to realize - to realize, to understand - to understand, to regret - to regret), we use in Present Continuous to emphasize that we have just started thinking about something and have not yet formed our final opinion.

   I "m realizing how wrong I was. - I AM began to understand how wrong I was.

   Verbs that describe physical sensations (to feel - to feel, to hurt / to ache - to hurt) can be used in both Present Simple and Present Continuous without much difference in meaning.

   I am feeling sad today. = I feel sad today. - I'm sad today.
   My head is aching... = My head aches... - I have a head hurts.

2. We can also use the static verb to be in Present Continuous, if we want to emphasize that human behavior is uncharacteristic for him.

   He is being weird after he lost his job. - He behaving strange after he lost his job. (that is, it usually behaves differently)

3. We can use Present Continuous and Present Simple tenses together to make our story sound more dynamic. In this case, the action in Present Simple takes place against the background of the action in Present Continuous, interrupting it and creating a sense of surprise.

   Two guys are walking through a game park and they come across a lion that has not eaten for days. - Two boys go in the park of wild animals, when suddenly they come across on a lion that has not eaten for several days.

How not to confuse Present Continuous and Present Simple

It is worth considering the most common situations in which one time from the Present group can be mistaken for another:

1. Present Continuous is used to describe situations and actions that the speaker considers temporary. Present Simple describes situations that the speaker perceives to be permanent.

   Linda is working at the ice cream shop during summer. - Summer Linda works in an ice cream shop. (when summer is over, Linda will no longer work in this place)
   Sam works as a manager at the ice cream shop. - Sam works the manager of an ice cream shop. (this is his permanent job)

2. If we describe repetitive actions that are associated with the present moment, we use Present Continuous. And if they are not connected with the present moment, we use Present Simple.

   I "m speaking with my mom a lot these days. - Lately, I often say with mom on the phone. (there is a connection with the current moment)
   I speak with my aunt who lives in New York twice a year. - Twice a year I talking with her aunt who lives in New York. (no connection with the present moment)

3. Present Continuous describes the action taking place at the moment. Present Simple is used to describe facts that remain true at any given time.

   Kathy is speaking with her father at the moment. - Now Katie is talking with his father. (she speaks at the present moment, the conversation will be over)
   Kathy speaks English. - Katie is talking in English. (she can speak English, this statement remains a fact at any given time)

We suggest taking a test to consolidate the rules for using Present Continuous time.

Test on the topic "Present Continuous - the present for a long time in English"

In English, tenses such as Present Continuous and Present Simple refer to the present tense, but they differ significantly in application and education. Let's figure out how to distinguish Present Simple from Present Continuous and give examples.
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Present continuous

• It is used in the course of a conversation, shows some kind of action that lasts a certain time. I am dancing now. - I'm dancing now.
• The words are now - now, at the moment - at the moment.
• Additional verb of the present tense to be (am, is, are) We are waiting for you in the street - We are waiting for you on the street.
• Important! Exception: Do not confuse Present Simple - if the action takes place on these days, then Present Progressive is applied. Example: David IS HAVING trouble with his computer these days so he won’t be able to finish the report on time. That is, the action takes place in the present and not always in general, but it is on these days that it lasts.

Present Simple

• Defines a simple regular act, characteristic of people, objects, enclosed in the subject. Example: I go to school every day - I go to school every day.
• It is used in the process of talking with continuous exception verbs (to see, to hear, to recognize, to want, to understand, etc.) Don't talk so loudly, I hear you well - Don't speak so loudly, I hear you OK.
• Denial and question form do and does.
• The verb in Present Simple is the same with the infinitive form, without to, except for the 3rd person singular. So, we examined the differences between Present Simple and Present Continuous. Present Continuous is composed with the use of the verb to be and the ending –ing in the semantic verb. But with regards to the peculiarities - Present Simple has the endings -s in the 3rd person singular.

The Present Progressive Tense

1) This time expresses the action that occurs at the moment of speech, now, at the moment.
"+" The formula for this tense: the auxiliary verb to be in one of the present tense forms (am, is or are) + a semantic verb with the ending -ing:

am / is / are + V-ing

Abbreviated form: I am = I’m, Not is = He’s, We are = We’re, etc.
I'm watching TV now. - I'm watching TV now.

«-» am / is / are not + V-ing

Abbreviated negative form:
I am not = I’m not,
Not is not = Not isn't
She is not = She isn’t,
It is not = It isn’t,
We are not = We aren’t,
You are not = You aren’t,
They are not = They aren’t
Come on in. He is not sleeping. - Come in. He is not sleeping.

«?» (Where, Why) am / is / are + subject + V-ing ...?

What are you drawing? - What are you drawing?

Interrogative negative: Aren't you looking for your keys? - Aren't you looking for your keys? Are you looking for the keys?

Words and phrases characteristic of this time:
now - now,
right now-right now,
still-still, still,
yet- not yet, not yet,
at the moment, at the present moment - now, at the moment, at the moment,
Look! - Look!

"+" You are looking for your keys. “You're looking for your keys.
"-" You are not looking for your keys. “You’re not looking for your keys.
"?" Are you looking for your keys? - Are you looking for your keys?

I'm driving to Arizona right now. - I'm going to Arizona now;
Our children are playing in the yard now. - Our children are now playing in the yard;
The baby isn’t sleeping yet (The baby is not yet sleeping.) - The baby is not sleeping yet;
Look! John's brother is playing basketball! What’s wrong with him? I know he hates basketball - Look! John's brother plays basketball! What's with him? I know he hates basketball;
Look! It's raining. - Look! It's raining;
Who are they staring at? - Who are they looking at (staring)?
Not is talking on the phone at the moment - He is now talking on the phone.

2) A long-term action in progress in the present time period, not necessarily at the moment when it is spoken about.
My son is getting ready for his final exams. - My son is now preparing for his final exams;
Not is writing a new play. - He's writing a new play.

3) Negative characteristic. Used to express an action inherent in someone (something) with a negative connotation. Such offers are usually quite emotional. They often use the words always - always, constantly - constantly, all the time - all the time.

You are always losing things! - You always lose everything! / You always lose everything!
She is constantly chattering. - She talks constantly;
Not is always doing things like that! - He's in his repertoire! He always does that!
They are constantly putting things in the wrong place! - They constantly misplace things!

4) Used to express an action planned for the near future (instead of Future Simple). The intention to take an action or the confidence that it will take place is expressed, this should be by agreement, according to plan, according to schedule.

My friends are going to the concert on the 8th of November. Lucky they are! - My friends go (will go) to the concert on November 8th. You're lucky! (Lucky them!);
He is taking his Physics exam on Friday. - On Friday he takes (will take) an exam in physics;
She is leaving tomorrow by the 5 o'clock tram. “She leaves tomorrow on the 5-hour train.

5) There is a number verbs that are not used in Progressive:
? Verbs to be, to have, to possess-have, to belong-belong.

Cognitive verbs: to know- know, to seem- to seem to think- think, count, believe, to remember- remember to recall- recall, to forget- forget to understand / to realize- understand, to recognize- to recognize (someone / something), to mean- keep in mind, speak seriously, no jokes, to suppose- suppose, to believe- believe, believe to doubt- doubt, to agree- agree, to mind- to object, to be against, to refuse- refuse.

Sensory Verbs: to hear- hear, to see- see, to notice- notice to smell- smell, smell, to feel- feel, to forgive- forgive, to prefer- to prefer, to (take) care (of / about)- take care of), to want- to want, to wish / to desire- (very) desire, to like- to love, to like, to love- be in love, to adore- to adore, to hate- to hate, to contain- contain (in itself), to consist (of)- to consist of.

Verb to feel is not used in Progressive to mean "to have a sensation, to feel = to count, to believe and to feel / feel."

I feel that this time he has told us the truth - I feel (believe) that this time he told us the truth (did not lie);
I feel someone is staring at me. - I feel (sense) that someone is staring at me;
Are you feeling better? - Do you feel better? Are you better?
But: How do you feel? - How do you feel? How does it feel to be a celebrity? - How does it feel to be a star (to be famous)?

Verbs to have, to think, to feel instead of Progressive, we use it in Simple. That is, instead of Present Progressive there will be Present Simple, instead of Past Progressive - Past Simple, and instead of Future Progressive - Future Simple:

He is out at the moment - He is not now;
He is still having breakfast. - He is still having breakfast (to have not in its direct meaning, "but part of the phrase to have breakfast);
Look out! A car is coming! Don’t you see that? - Carefully! The car is coming! Do not you see?
Do you understand what she is saying? - Do you understand what she says?
I don’t hear you. (= I can’t hear you);
Could you speak a bit louder, please? - I can not hear you. Speak a little louder, please;
I think he doesn’t know the rules. - I don't think he knows the rules.

The verbs to love and to hate can sometimes be used in Progressive for a more intense emotional coloring.
Compare: I like apricots. - I love apricots. I like apricots. I love apricots! - I love (very much) apricots! (a little more emotional). I'm loving apricots! - How I adore apricots! (even more emotional).
I love it! - How I love it! I'm loving it! - How I love it!
I hate this town. - I hate this city! I'm hating this town! - How I hate this city!

(E. Gritsai - English Cheat Sheet)

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Present Continuous Education
(am / is / are +… -ing)

Present Continuous (Present Progressive) formed by to be in present time ( am, is, are) and the forms of the present participle of the semantic verb: I am smiling... When adding endings to verbs - ing sometimes there are changes in their spelling, for example have / hav ing... Additionally about.

Abbreviated forms:

‘M= am
‘Re= are
’S= is
aren’t= are not
isn’t= is not

Using Present Continuous

1. A long-term action taking place at the moment of speech ( now - now, at the present moment - at the moment, at this moment - at this moment).

Examples: What are you doing? - What are you doing? (now)
You are not listening to me. - You are not listening to me. (now)
My mother is reading a book now. - My mom is reading a book now.

2. A long-term action taking place at the present time, but not necessarily at the time of speech.

Examples: What are you doing here in Munich? - What are you doing here in Munich?
You ’Re working too much these days. - You work too much these days.

3. Planned future action, especially with verbs denoting movement ( to go - to go / go, to come - to come, to leave - to leave / leave, to arrive - to arrive / arrive, to start - to go / set off), when the intention to perform an action is expressed, or we are talking about a pre-planned action. The sentence usually contains time circumstances that indicate a future tense.

Examples: She is leaving for another city tonight. “She's leaving for another city tonight.
He is taking an exam on Monday. - He takes his exam on Monday.

4. Expression of action in the future (instead of) in circumstantial and, which are introduced by unions if, when, while etc.

Examples: If I am working when you come, don’t disturb me. “If I’m working when you come, don’t bother me.

5. Present Continuous (Present Progressive), as a rule, are not used with:

• with verbs of an emotional state ( to wish - to wish, to desire - to wish, to love - to love),
• verbs of mental activity ( to agree - agree, to believe - believe, to remember - remember, to think - count / believe * ),
• verbs of sensation ( to hear- to hear * , to see - to see * , to taste - to have a taste * , to smell * ),
• a group of verbs of possession, relationship ( to be * - to be, to consist - to consist, to belong - to belong.

Note.Verbs marked * can be used in the form Continuous, but only with a change in value. Additionally about.

Examples: I know what I am doing. - I know what I'm doing.
I think she is beautiful. - I think she's beautiful. (my opinion)
Be quite! I ’M thinking... - Quiet! I think. (mental activity)

Note. Is often used instead to express a planned or planned action in the future. This construction means the intention to perform an action in the very near future or gives a shade of obligation, inevitability of performing the action indicated by the infinitive.

Examples: I ’M going to have dinner with Bob tomorrow. “I'm going to have lunch with Bob tomorrow.
He is going to be a surgeon. - He's going to be a surgeon.