The present continuous, also called the present progressive or present imperfect, is a verb form used in modern English that combines the
present tense with the
continuous aspect. It is formed by the present tense form of
be and the
present participle of a verb. The present continuous is generally used to describe something that is taking place at the present moment and can be employed in both the
indicative and
subjunctive
The subjunctive (also known as conjunctive in some languages) is a grammatical mood, a feature of the utterance that indicates the speaker's attitude towards it. Subjunctive forms of verbs are typically used to express various states of unreality ...
mood
Mood may refer to:
*Mood (psychology), a relatively long lasting emotional state
Music
*The Mood, a British pop band from 1981 to 1984
* Mood (band), hip hop artists
* ''Mood'' (Jacquees album), 2016
* ''Moods'' (Barbara Mandrell album), 1978
...
s. It accounts for approximately 5% of verbs in spoken English.
Formation
The present continuous is formed by the present tense form of
be and the
present participle (
-ing
''-ing'' is a suffix used to make one of the inflected forms of English verbs. This verb form is used as a present participle, as a gerund, and sometimes as an independent noun or adjective. The suffix is also found in certain words like ''mor ...
form) of the verb.
For example, you would write the verb ''work'' in the present continuous form by adding the -ing suffix to the verb and placing a present tense form of be (am, are, is) in front of it:
* I am working.
* You are working.
* She is working.
* We are working.
* They are working.
Uses
The present continuous is used in several instances. Its most common use is to describe something that is happening at the exact moment of speech:
* The boy is laughing.
This contrasts with the
simple present, which is used to refer to something that occurs habitually (i.e. habits, unchanging situations, general truths, and fixed arrangements).
The present continuous is also used to describe a temporary activity, even if it is not taking place at the exact moment of speech, or a temporary situation:
* They are working in Dubai.
* I am writing a book.
* I am living in Scotland until the end of the year.
This contrasts with permanent activities or situations, which are described using the simple present:
''I live on Main Street.''
Present continuous can also describe an event planned in the future when combined with a time indicator for the future:
* I am resitting my French exam on Tuesday.
When combined with always, but meaning often, the present continuous can be used to emphasize the frequency of an action in a humorous or hyperbolic way:
* My parents are always making me go to school!
* She is always playing with that doll!
* He is always eating chocolate!
See also
*
Simple present
*
Uses of English verb forms
References
{Reflist
Grammatical tenses
English grammar