THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS

THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS

The present continuous, also known as the present progressive, is a tense in English grammar that is used to describe actions or situations that are happening at the moment of speaking or around the current time.

It is formed by using the present tense of the verb "to be" (am, is, are) and adding the present participle (the -ing form) of the main verb.

AFFIRMATIVE

Verb-ing

am/is/are

Subject

I am studying English.

Mary is watching TV.

Jonh and Anna are listening to music.

NEGATIVE

Verb-ing

am/is/are not

Subject

I am not reading a book.

Laura is not riding a bike.

The children are not sleeping.

INTERROGATIVE

Verb-ing?

Subject

Am/Is/Are

Am I eating an apple? Yes, I am./ No, I'm not.

Is Peter learning English? Yes, he is./ No, he isn't.

Are Leah and Frank paying attention? Yes, they are./ No, they aren't

The present continuous is often used to express temporary actions, actions happening now, or future plans. Keep in mind that it may not be suitable for all situations, and sometimes the simple present tense is more appropriate.

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