TEMPORARY actions & situations that ARE GOING ON around NOW,before, during or after the moment of speaking
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| CC-BY-SA Nina Paley |
- Hurry up, we are all waiting for you. (not: we wait)
- What are you doing? - I'm writing letters. (not: I write)
1. We can also use the present progressive (continuous) to talk about what is going on around a particular time that we are thinking of:
She doesn't like to be disturbed if she's working.You look lovely when you are smiling.
2. We can also use the present progressive (continuous) to talk about developing or changing situations, even if these are very long lasting.
That child is getting bigger every day.The climate is getting warmer.
The universe is expanding and has been since its beginning.
3. Talking about the future:
What are you doing tomorrow evening?Come and see us next week if you are passing through London.
4. Permanent vs Temporary Situations:
My sister lives in London &My sister is a student and she's living in London at the moment.
Why is that girl standing on the table?
Chalford castle stands on a hill outside the town.
5. Repeated actions:
Jim is seeing a lot of Sue these days.Why is she hitting that dog?
I go to the mountains twice a year. (not:
6. Physical Feelings: Verbs that refer to physical feelings can often be used in simple or progressive tenses without much difference in meaning.
How do you feel? or - How are you feeling?My head aches. or - My head is aching.
7. We use the Present Simple to talk about things that have started but not finished, for example when we describe our current situation in letters, emails, etc:
We're staying at a lovely hotel by the sea. |
8. With always, to show that we are annoyed by something:
She is always using my shampoo without asking.My brother is always losing his keys.
He is constantly talking. I wish he would shut up.
My neighbours are so irritating. They are always complaining.
9. Verbs not normally used with progressive tenses:
Do you believe in ghosts?The tank contains 7,000 litres.
I like this cake.
She knows what happened.
Sam has two dogs.
Watch
Present Continuous | youtube
Temporary Situations | youtube
Present Continuous for future use | youtube
Grammar Snacks | youtube
Present Continuous with Mr Bean | youtube
