Present Continuous

Present Continuous

The principal uses of the present continuous are listed below.

• To describe actions happening at the exact moment of speech:
  • The boy is crying.
• To refer to temporary situations:
  • I’m living in London at the moment. (I don’t normally live here)
  • My cousin is working in a restaurant until she finds a job in her field.
  • The present continuous is often used with: now, at the moment, today, this morning/afternoon/evening/week/month/year, currently
• To refer to tendencies and trends:
  • The world’s population is increasing rapidly.
  • Google is making it easier for people to find, rate and share information about local businesses.

• To express irritation, anger or envy:
  • She’s always losing her gloves! (complaint)
  • He’s always travelling around the world! (envy)
  • The following adverbs are often used: always, constantly, forever
• To use with state verbs when the meaning is temporary.
  • I’m thinking of buying a new car. (trying to reach a decision)
  • I think you should buy a new car. (my opinion, so not temporary)
  • He is tasting the wine they have brought him. (activity)
  • The wine tastes sweet rather than sour. (sense)
  • I was having a bath when the phone rang. (activity, not possession)
  • The room has a private bathroom with a tub and shower. (possession)