Present Continuous - rules and exercises

In English, there are more temporary forms than in Russian, so studying someone else's speech is so difficult for our compatriots. In the great and mighty there is no such thing as a present of a continuum, in other words - a present for a long time. But do not be afraid. If you understand this question well, then there will be no difficulties.

Features of use

Present Continuous is sometimes difficult to distinguish from Present Simple. Both these temporary forms describe the present, but the present is used when it comes to repetitive actions, and the continuum is about those that are happening this minute.

It is important to remember the difference in those cases when it is necessary to describe several incidents simultaneously. Here the verb is put in the present simple time, if the actions follow one after another. But if events occur simultaneously, the real long comes to the rescue.

Another important nuance concerns actions that are either planned, or are present in the timetable. When the interlocutor expresses the intention to do something, he uses a verb in the form of Present Continuous, if the event is indicated in the schedule, then it is spoken of in the Present Simple.

Such a small comparison will allow you to better navigate in these two times.

The English continuum has significant differences that make it possible to distinguish it among other forms of the verb.

It is used in the event that it is necessary to describe the events that occur directly at the moment of speech. A prime example: Tom is doing exercise now (Tom is now in the sport).

Present continuum is used to describe an action that takes place not at the moment, but in a real, still ongoing period of time. Let's consider an example: He is working on the program (He works on the program). The point is that he does this not at a specific moment, but throughout the present period, which lasts and will soon end.

This same time form is used when the planned action is described, which will happen soon. An example is the following sentence: We are arriving on Friday (We will arrive or are going to arrive on Friday).

Another use of Present Continuous is to indicate repetitive actions that irritate or disapprove the speaker. The adverbs are always, always, repeatedly, which in this case are translated as "forever". A good example: You are constantly shouting at us (You're always screaming at us).

Rules of education

To formulate sentences in the present continuum, you need to use the verb "to be" in a suitable form, which depends on the noun or pronoun used. It is to him in the negative sentences that the particle "not" will be added.

Verbs in the presentation of the continuum receive the ending -ing. In most cases, this inflexion is attached to a word without changing it (say - saying). But if at the end of the infinitive there is a mute "e", it must be omitted (make - making). In the case where the verb ends with a combination of a short vowel with a consonant, the exception is "x", the last letter is doubled (begin - beginning). Words that end in -ie change it to -y + ing (lie-lying).

There is a list of expressions that can serve as an indication of the Present Continuous. These are such as today, at the moment, this week, now and others.

There are a number of words that are not used at a given time. These are the so-called state verbs that convey sensations and feelings. They will also not take part in the formation of such a temporary form as a present of the perfect continuum. Here are some of the verbs of the state:

• Be - to be;
• Belong - belong;
• Consist - consist;
• Cost - cost;
• Envy - to envy;
• Exist - exist;
• Hate is to hate;
• Hear - hear;
• Love - to love;
• Possess - possess;
• Remember - remember;
• Seem - to seem;
• Want - want.

The list of these words is much longer, and you need to carefully read them to exclude mistakes in your speech.

Formation of affirmative offers

The strictly established order of words is what English can be proud of. The present continuum does not introduce dissonance into this rule. His proposals are built on the same principle: the subject, behind which the auxiliary verb is located , then the semantic verb with the corresponding ingon ending, after which the remaining members of the sentence go .

Consider the picture and describe the actions that the heroes are doing, according to the scheme placed in the table.

• I am driving.
• Tom is laughing. (Tom laughs).
• We are playing (We play).
• Dad is skating.
• You are singing.
• Lena is running.

Formation of negation

To turn an affirmative sentence into a negative one is very simple, just add the particle "not" to the verb "to be".

• I can not cut to I'm not / driving.
• Tom is not / is not / laughing (Tom does not laugh).
• We are not / they are not playing.

Interrogative proposals

To put a general question, the answer to which can be the agreement or denial (yes / no), it is enough to make "to be" forward.

• Am I driving?
• Is dad skating?
• Are you singing (Do you sing)?

To formulate a special question that would clarify the circumstances, the way or the quality of the action is also simple, you need to add the appropriate question word to the previous form.

• How am I driving?
• When is dad skating?
• What are you singing (What are you singing)?

Exercises

It is necessary to convert the infinitive into the Present Continuous verb and select the correct form for "to be":

A) She / to read / a magazine now (She is reading a newspaper now).

B) Linda / to sit / at the piano (Linda sits at the piano).

C) He / to do / his homework (He does his homework).

D) They / to play / baseball (They play baseball).

E) I still / to write / a message (I'm still writing a message).

F) We / to have / dinner now (Now we are having dinner).

G) It still / to rain / (It's still raining).

H) It / to snow / now (It's snowing).

I) The girl / to draw / a picture (Girl draws a picture).

J) You / to speak / to me now (You're talking to me now).

It is necessary to put affirmative sentences in an inquiring and negative form:

A. I am studying.

We are playing ball.

They are eating now.

D. We are resting now (We are now resting).

E. She is sleeping.

Translate the following phrases into English:

1. She's riding a bike.
2. You're always late!
3. Where do they rest now?
4. We do not have breakfast.
5. What is he doing now?

The present continuum is a demanded and easy to study temporary form. To avoid mistakes when using it, it is enough to remember when to use it, to know the ways of its formation and the few verbs that are not used in it.