How do we use the Present Continuous?
We use the present continuous tense to talk about:
- action happening now
- action in the future
Present continuous tense for action happening now
a) for action happening exactly now
| I am eating my
lunch. |
| past |
present |
future |
|
|
| |
The action is happening now. |
|
Look at these examples. Right now you are looking at this screen
and at the same time...
 |
 |
 |
| ...the pages are turning. |
...the candle is burning. |
...the numbers are spinning. |
b) for action happening around now
The action may not be happening exactly now, but it is happening
just before and just after now, and it is not permanent or habitual.
| John is going out
with Mary. |
| past |
present |
future |
|
|
| |
The action is happening around now. |
|
Look at these examples:
- Muriel is learning to drive.
- I am living with my sister until I find an
apartment.
Present continuous tense for the future
We can also use the present continuous tense to talk about the
future—if we add a future word!! We must add (or understand
from the context) a future word. "Future words" include, for example,
tomorrow, next year, in June, at Christmas etc. We
only use the present continuous tense to talk about the future when we have
planned to do something before we speak. We have already made a decision and
a plan before speaking.
| I am taking my
exam next month. |
| past |
present |
future |
|
|
| |
A firm plan or programme exists now. |
The action is in the future. |
Look at these examples:
- We're eating in a restaurant tonight. We've already
booked the table..
- They can play tennis with you tomorrow. They're not
working.
- When are you starting your new job?
In these examples, we have a firm plan or programme before
speaking. The decision and plan were made before speaking.
Spelling of
Present Continuous Tense >> |
