Present Continuous Tense Present ActionsTemporary ActionsLonger Actions in ProgressFuture (Personal) Arrangements and PlansTendencies and TrendsIrritation

* We use the Present Continuous Tense to talk about actions happening at the moment of speaking. o Neill is chatting with friends at the moment. o I am watching the match between Turkey and Brazil.

* We use the Present Continuous Tense for temporary actions. * Temporary actions continue only for a limited period of time. o I am working extra hours in order to finish the project. (After I finish the project, I won’t work extra hours.) o She is staying at a hotel until she finds a house. (After she finds a house, I won’t stay at a hotel.)

* We use the Present Continuous Tense to talk about longer actions in progress. These actions take time to complete: writing a book, learning a new language, studying for an exam, etc. o They are saving money to buy a new car. o I am reading an excellent novel nowadays.

* We use the Present Continuous Tense to talk about planned actions. These actions will happen in the near future. o They are having a party at the weekend. o I and my classmates are going out this evening.

* We use the Present Continuous Tense to express tendencies or trends. o Technology is developing day by day. o Jane is getting better. She can start working soon. o More people are sharing photos on Facebook. o Most people are using instead of writing letters nowadays.

* We use the Present Continuous Tense to express irritation or anger in the present with adverbs such as: always, continually or constantly. o You are always talking to your friends during the class. o My neighbors are always arguing.

o I am studying for my exam. (I’m studying…) o You are looking at the pictures now. (You’re looking…) o My wife is cooking in the kitchen. (My wife’s cooking…)

o I am not studying for my exam. (I’m not studying…) o You are not looking at the pictures now. (You aren’t looking…) o My wife is cooking in the kitchen. (My wife’ isn’t cooking…)

A: Are you looking at the pictures at the moment? B: Yes, I am. / No, I am not. A: Is my wife cooking in the kitchen? B: Yes, she is. / No, she isn’t. A: Are my son and his friend playing football now? B: Yes, they are. / No, they aren’t.

A: What are you looking at? B: I am looking at the pictures. A: What is my wife doing in the kitchen? B: She is cooking. A: Where are the students watching a video? B: They are watching a video in the classroom.

* We cannot use some verbs in the continuous form because these verbs refer to states; not actions. We use the Present Simple Tense with these verbs. lovelikedislikehatewant hearseesmelltasteunderstand believeknowforgetrememberhave***

*** We don’t use “have” in the Present Continuous Tense when it means “to possess”. When there is a different meaning, we can use in the continuous form. o I have a car. (NOT: I am having a car.) → Have = Possess o We are having breakfast in the kitchen. → Have = Eat o Everybody is having fun at the party. → Have = Enjoy

Most VerbsAdd “-ing” work play study working playing studying Verbs ending in “e” Drop “e”; add “-ing” come have write coming having writing If a one syllable (with only one vowel sound) verb ends in one consonant (for example p, t, r) that follows one vowel (for example a, o, e) Double the last consonant; add “-ing” swim get stop swimming getting stopping Irregular Verbs lie die lying dying

* We use the following time expressions in the Present Continuous Tense: AT THE MOMENT NOW AT PRESENT RIGHT NOW TODAY TONIGHT NOWADAYS THESE DAYS

USE PRESENT CONTINUOUSPRESENT SIMPLE for present actionsfor general actions I am listening to music on the radio now.I listen to music after dinner every day. for temporary actionsfor permanent actions I’m working at a hotel.I work at a hotel. for future arrangements and plansfuture events (part of a timetable) We are playing football this evening.My train leaves at 8.00 this evening. for longer actions in progressfor habits or actions we do regularly I am reading a novel nowadays.I read a novel when I have free time. to talk about tendencies and trends People are using tablets these days. to express irritation He is always shouting at his daughter.

We use “make”: * for producing, constructing, creating or building something new. o They make these toys in China. * to talk about plans and decisions: o She doesn’t make a decision about her clothes easily. o Make your choice: Do you want to play computer games or football?

We use “make”: * with nouns about speaking and certain sounds: o Don’t make noise! Your brother is sleeping. o I always make a comment on her decisions. * with food, drink and meals: o I and my wife like making a cake at the weekend. o She makes some tea when she watches TV. o We always make our dinner together.

We use “do”: * to talk about work, jobs or tasks. (NOTE: They don’t produce any physical object.) o I do my homework after I have dinner. o I do the ironing twice a week. * to refer to activities in general with words “something, nothing, anything, everything, etc”. o Do something for her. She needs you. o He does everything he can do to be successful.

Please, don’t forget to do the exercises on your book: Grammar Fast.