The Present Continuous

The Present Continuous

Form
The Present Continuous is the present of be + ing-form:

•          I’m singing a song. ( sing + ing )

•          The students are writing the papers. ( write + ing = writing )

•          It is raining now. ( rain + ing )

 Use not or n’t after be, for negative form:

•          I’m not smoking.

•          They aren’t playing/ they are not playing very good.

•          It isn’t raining today/ it is not raining today.

Put be before the subject, for question form:

•          Am I doing good?

•          Is it still raining?

•          Where are you calling from?

Use
The present continuous  usually used in a present action over a period of time, something that we are in the middle of now. The action has started, but it hasn’t finished yet.

•          They are watching us.

•          What are you doing? , ~ I am thinking

Time expression:

•          He is leaving Samarinda now.

•          We’ re having tea at the moment.

•          I won’t be long. I’m just ironing this shirt.

•          The customer is still waiting to be served.

The action doesn’t need to be going on at the moment of speaking.

•          I’m reading an interesting book at the moment (I do not have the book in my hands)

•          Is anyone sitting here? ,~ No, it’s free.(asking permission to take a seat)

The important thing is the action has started but not finished.

The present continuous also used in a temporary routine, something that will last only a short time:

•          We’ve got builders at the office, so I’m working  at home this week.

•          They are living in a rented flat until they find somewhere to buy.

Typical time expression :

•          This week

•          These days

•          Nowadays

•          At/ for the moment

•          At present

•          Still

Tips : The use uf present continuous is to talk about things that are develoving or changing over a long period, e.g. The earth is getting warmer.