Present Continuous Tense in English
The present continuous tense, also known as the present progressive, is used to describe actions happening at the moment of speaking or around the present time. This guide outlines its formation and usage.
Definition: The present continuous tense expresses actions that are ongoing or in progress at the time of speaking.
Affirmative Form
The affirmative form of the present continuous follows this structure:
- For I/you/we/they: Subject + are + verb-ing
- For he/she/it: Subject + is + verb-ing
Example: "They are playing football now." / "She is reading a book at the moment."
Negative Form
To form the negative, we use "be + not + verb-ing":
- For I/you/we/they: Subject + are not + verb-ing
- For he/she/it: Subject + is not + verb-ing
Example: "We are not working today." / "He is not sleeping right now."
Interrogative Form
For questions, we invert the subject and the auxiliary verb "be":
- For I/you/we/they: Wh−word+ Are + subject + verb-ing?
- For he/she/it: Wh−word+ Is + subject + verb-ing?
Example: "Are you studying English?" / "What is she doing at the moment?"
Time Indicators
Vocabulary: Time indicators are words or phrases that help specify when an action is taking place.
Common time indicators used with the present continuous include:
- now
- today
- at the moment
- right now
- this morning
- Look!
- Listen!
Highlight: These time indicators emphasize the current nature of the action and are often used to reinforce the use of the present continuous tense.
Understanding and practicing the présent simple-anglais conjugaison alongside the present continuous will help learners differentiate between habitual actions and those in progress. For further practice, consider using présent simple anglais exercice PDF resources or engaging in exercice anglais présent simple avec correction activities to reinforce your understanding of both tenses.
