The Present Contınuous Tense
by Hakan Serim
Why do we use the Present Continuous?
We use the present continuous to talk about:
-
actions happening at the time of speaking.
I can't hear you. I'm listening to a podcast.
Please be quiet. The children are sleeping.
-
actions happening around the time of speaking.
We're learning 'present tenses' these days.
-
fixed arrangements
I'm flying to Hamburg on 3rd November.
-
complainments about some repeated unwanted actions
Jack! You are always coming late!
-
something which is new and contrasts with a previous state:
Nowadays people are sending text messages instead of phoning.
I hear you've moved house. Where are you living now?
-
something which is changing, growing or developing:
The weather is getting colder.
Our grandchildren are growing up quickly.
Further examples made with 'Present Continuous Tense'
Mia is doing exercise at her studio apartment right now.
My parents and I are going camping near Küçükkuyu on Friday evening.
Watch out! It is raining outside.
Jenny is arriving here at noon tomorrow.
Today, humanity is having a tough situation called COVID-19.
Are you listening to me Dave?
Form of the Present Progressive Tense:
Time Expressions Frequently Used With The Present Continuous Tense:
-
now
-
right now
-
at the moment
-
at present
-
for the time being
-
today
-
tonight
-
this week
-
this month
-
currently
-
etc.
Progressive and Non-Progressive Verbs
In English, there are some certain verbs that cannot take -ing suffix. Therefore, we can only use any of them as a bare/simple form of it. This kind of verbs is called non-progressive verbs. However, some of the non continuous verbs are used in progressive tenses but their meaning changes. Here are some examples:
think
(Progressive)
He is thinking about his final exams.
see
(Progressive)
I am seeing my doctor tomorrow.
smell
(Progressive)
Our dog is smelling the shopping bag my father brought in.
think
(Non-Progressive)
I think she won't come.
see
(Non-Progressive)
I see lots of dark clouds right now.
smell
(Non-Progressive)
It smells awfull.
taste
(Progressive)
Look! They are tasting my meal. It is very exciting.
look
(Progressive)
Hey. Where are you looking at?
have
(Progressive)
We are having Chemistry mid-term exam tomorrow.
taste
(Non-Progressive)
Hımm...This soup tastes delicious.
look
(Non-Progressive)
You look beautiful honey.
have
(Non-Progressive)
They have a cute puppy.
weigh
(Progressive)
The greenrocer is weighing onions.
weigh
(Non-Progressive)
I weigh 78 kilos.