Present Continuous
What is present continuous? The present continuous is a verb tense which is used to show that an ongoing action is happening now, either at the moment of speech or now in a larger sense.
Uses of present continuous
Form
Stative verbs
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We use the present continuous to describe activities that are happening now.
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We also use the present continuous to describe temporary activities, often with time expressions, e. g. at the moment/now, this week/month/year.
For the positive form, use the correct form of be + verb in the -ing form, e. g:
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I am doing my homework.
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The chef is planning today's menu.
The negative form is with the negative form of be, e. g:
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I am not studying French.
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She is not playing tennis now.
The word order is: question word(s) + be + -ing form, e. g:
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Are you living in student accomodation?
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What is she doing at the moment?
For short answers, use the appropiate form of be only, e. g:
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Are you texting a message? Yes, I am/No I'm not
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Is he writting a letter? Yes, he is/No, he isn't
We usually don't use stative verbs in the present continuous tense.
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Like: Why do you like outdoos sports?
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Hate: I hate indoor sports
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Think: I think indoor sports are boring
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Prefer: Do you prefer outdoor sports?
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Know: You know I can't swim
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Want: I don't want to buy that cellphone
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Need: You need a lot of equipment
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Cost: It costs a lot of money.
Have is usually a non-action verb like be, like and want. But some expressions with have can have a continuous form, e. g. have breakfast/lunch/dinner/a coffee/a meal/a shower/a bath/a good time.
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He's serving breakfast at the moment.