Formation:
Affirmative: (subject + aux. verb ‘be’ + verb+ing)
Negative: (subject + aux. verb ‘be’ + not + verb+ing)
Question: (aux. verb ‘be’ + subject + verb+ing)
Le present continuous se forme en utilisant l'auxiliaire « BE »au présent simple suivi du participe présent (forme verbale en 'ING').
C'est normalement le présent simple qui est utilisé pour exprimer des actions répétées ou habituelles mais quand on veut ajouter la notion d'irritation ou d'énervement, le present continuous est parfois utilisé et doit, dans ces cas précis, toujours être accompagné d'un adverbe indiquant la répétition (always, constantly, perpetually, etc).
Listed below are some of the main usages of the present continuous.
1. To talk about an action that is in progress at the time of speaking –
Please be quiet. I’m watching TV.
2. To talk about a temporary action that is not necessarily in progress at the time of speaking – I am reading a good book at the moment.
3. To emphasize very frequent actions (often with always) – She is always biting her nails.
4. Background events in a present story – So I’m standing there when a policeman comes in.
5. To describe developing situations – It’s getting dark
6. To refer to a regular action around a point of time – He’s usually working at this time.
REGULAR FORM
PERSON AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE QUESTION
I I am learning I am not learning Am I learning?
You You are learning You are not learning Are you learning?
He/she/it He is learning He is not learning Is he learning?
We We are learning We are not learning Are we learning?
They They are learning They are not learning Are they learning?
CONTRACTED FORM
PERSON AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE QUESTION
I I’m learning I’m not learning No contracted form
You You’re learning You aren’t learning No contracted form
He/she/it She’s learning She isn’t learning No contracted form
We We’re learning We aren’t learning No contracted form
They They’re learning They aren’t learning No contracted form
Pronunciation
The main point relates to contracted forms: beginners can have difficulty with these and may resort to using long forms instead; drilling and constant reminders are often necessary.
Non-progressive verbs
Most non-action verbs are not normally used in the present continuous forms, we usually use the simple form instead. Following are some of the most common:
like/love/want/know/understand/remember/depend/prefer/hate/need/mean/believe/forget
Non-progressive verbs can be roughly divided into the following groups:
verbs of the senses (involuntary)
verbs expressing feelings and emotions
verbs of mental activity
verbs of possession
There are exceptions and some verbs have different meanings depending on whether they are used in the simple or continuous tense, e.g. She thinks you are right (meaning = has the opinion that); She’s thinking about it (meaning = considering)
Typical student errors/mistakes
Make a note of the nature of each of the following errors/mistakes:
He watching T.V.
We are have a meeting.
Do you not coming to the cinema?
I’m working hard every day.
I’m believing in God.
Use the present continuous to describe projects and actions that are happening around the present moment in time. Remember that these projects have begun in the recent past and will end in the near future. This usage is especially popular for talking about current projects at work or for specific hobbies.
This tense is often used with the following time expressions:
... at the moment
... now
... this week / month
Basic Construction
Positive
Subject + be + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression
At the moment we're working on the Thompson account.
Negative
Subject + be + not (isn't, aren't) + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression
He isn't studying for his exam this week.
Question
(Question Word) + be + subject + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression
Which account are you working on now?
One use of the present continuous tense is for scheduled future events. This usage is especially useful when talking about appointments and meetings for work.
This tense is often used with the following time expressions:
... tomorrow
... on Friday, Monday, etc.
... today
... this morning / afternoon / evening
... next week / month
... in Dcember, March, etc.
Basic Construction
Positive
Subject + be + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression
I'm meeting our CEO at three o'clock this afternoon.
Negative
Subject + be + not (isn't, aren't) + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression
Shelley isn't attending the meeting tomorrow.
Question
(Question Word) + be + subject + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression
When are you discussing the situation with Tom?