Present Continuous Tense - Rules and Examples | English Grammar

Introduction

The word Tense is a term in English grammar and refers to a form of the verb that indicates time. Time is a universal, non-linguistic concept with three divisions - Past, Present and Future; by tense, we understand the correspondence between the form of the verb and our concept of time. When making a statement it is essential to indicate whether a situation exists now, existed in the past or is likely to exist in the future.


For those who are familiar with English grammar, the present continuous tense can be a tricky concept. It is widely used in English, but it is often misused. It is also a very important concept to learn. This is because it is used a lot in everyday conversation. We also use it to make speeches and talk about plans for the future. This article will explain the different rules and uses of the present continuous tense.

Present Continuous Tense - Rules and Examples | English Grammar


Present Continuous Tense - Rules and Examples

✅ Rule 1

This tense is used to express an action going on at the time of speaking; as,
  • The boys are flying kites.
  • I am doing my work.
  • He is playing cricket.

✅ Rule 2

This tense is used to express intention or likelihood. It refers to a future time; as,
  • I am going to Lucknow tomorrow. (Intention)
  • Ramlal is going to die. (Likelihood)

✅ Rule 3

This tense is also used for temporary action that may not be actually happening at the time of speaking. It also sometimes expresses habit or custom; as,
  • He is attending college very regularly. (Habit)
  • I am reading William Shakespeare. (Temporary action)
  • I am studying English novels these days.
  • He is living in a rented house.
  • Is she still modelling for Hindustan Lever?

✅ Rule 4

This tense is used for fixed programme or plans for the nearest future; as,
  • We are leaving for Mumbai tonight.
  • Are you singing this evening?

✅ Affirmative Sentences

Pattern:
➤ Subject + is/am/are + verb (Ist form) + ing + O/A.
  • Tanu and Gaurav are playing football.
  • Mohan is reading a novel now.

✅ Negative Sentences

Pattern:
➤ Subject + is/am/are + not + verb (Ist form) + ing + O/A.
  • She is not going to college today.
  • Children are not playing now.
  • I am not cooking food.

Interrogative Sentences

Pattern:
➤ Is/am/are + subject + verb (Ist form) + ing + O/A.
➤ Q.W. + is/am/are + subject + verb (Ist form) + ing + O/A.
  • Is he living in Delhi these days?
  • Are you going to see him today?
  • Where is your brother reading nowadays?
  • Why are the boys making a noise?

The present continuous tense is not normally used with the following verbs:

➤ Verbs of senses (involuntary actions): 
feel, hear, see, smell also notice and observe.

➤ Verbs of expressing feelings and emotions: 
admire, adore, appreciate, care for, desire, detest, dislike, fear, hate, like, loathe, love, mind, respect, value, want, with.

➤ Verbs of mental activity: 
agree, appreciate, assume, believe, expect, feel, feel sure/certain forget know, mean, perceive, realize, recall, recognize, recollect, remember, see (understand), see-through (have an opinion), trust (= believe/have confidence) in, understand.

Note: But the continuous can be used with appreciate meaning to increase in value.

➤ Verbs of possession: belong, owe, own, possess, e.g., How much do I owe you?

➤ The auxiliaries, except, be and have in certain uses.
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