Explanation and English Practice: present continuous intro EP2-08G

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Pre-intermedate level introduction to use of present continuous 

 

 

 

Explanation

Uses of the present continuous

1. The present continuous is a real present tense, because we use it to talk about what is happening NOW.

 

A: Hello, Jack, is that you? It’s Rebecca.

B: Oh, hi Rebecca. Listen, can I call you back in five minutes? – I’m driving.

A: What are you doing, darling?

B: I’m opening some wine. Do you want a glass?

Sally’s not using the computer now; do you need it?

2. We also use the present continuous to talk about things which are happening during this period, rather than at this exact moment:

 

What’s Simon doing these days?

He’s learning Japanese.

Is he really? He always said he was going to.

 

Did I tell you, Jackie’s having treatment for her back

Is she? How is it going?

She’s not getting so much pain, that’s for sure.

 

3. Finally, we often use the present continuous for future arrangements. (see RP3-01G)

 

Are you doing anything this weekend?

Well, we’re not doing anything much on Saturday, but on Sunday we’re driving over to Oxford to see Jenny and Phil.

 

So, you should remember that this form with am / is / are + -ing may refer not to the present but to the future.

 

Verbs for feelings, sensations, thoughts, opinions, impressions etc.

There are a number of verbs such as know, think, suppose, believe, find, hear, feel etc which are typically NOT used in the continuous form

 

I think (NOT I am thinking)  this cheese is delicious, do you want some?

I’m sorry, but we all find (NOT we are finding) this music really disagreeable, please turn it off.

I hear (NOT I am hearing) what you’re saying, but I don’t necessarily agree.

 

But they are used in the –ing form when an action is being referred to:

I’m thinking about what you proposed, and I’ll give you my answer at our meeting on Friday.

We’re finding a lot of Roman coins as we dig further down.

 

 Exercise

If these sentences are right, give them a tick (ü) If they are wrong, give them a cross (û) and correct them.

 

1. A: ‘What are you doing?’ 

B: ‘I am wash my car.’

2. Her brother working in a factory.

3. My parents they are visiting England for the first time.

4. A: ‘Do you phoning your sister? 

B: ‘No, I’m not. I’m on the phone with my aunt.’

5. Please be quiet, I trying to do my homework.

6. Our friend is looking for a new house.

7. None of my students are believing in God.

8. My neighbour she is working in her garden this morning.

9. Are you go out after lunch?

10. I am knowing Carlos – he was in my English class last year.

11. My husband and I am visiting our friends today.

12. You’re not telling me the truth, are you?

13. I am begin to understand this exercise.

14. My classmates they are go to London this weekend.

15. Their daughters are playing in the street with my son.

16. A: ‘Are you sell your car?

B: ‘I don’t know. I’m thinking about it.’

17. It’s still raining, isn’t it?

18. Is your sister still works at the bank?

19. My children are doing well at school, but he is finding it quite hard.

20. I am thinking it’s going to rain.