1. Lesson15 English for Engineers A Compilation for Elementary Students
Present Continuous
Lesson15
English for Engineers
A Compilation for Elementary Students

2. USE 1: Now
Use the Present Continuous with Normal Verbs to express the idea that something is happening now, at this very moment. It can also be used to show that something is not happening now.
Examples:
You are learning English now.
You are not swimming now.
Are you sleeping?
I am sitting.
I am not standing.

3. USE 2 : Longer Actions in Progress Now
In English, "now" can mean: this second, today, this month, this year, this century, and so on. Sometimes, we use the Present Continuous to say that we are in the process of doing a longer action which is in progress; however, we might not be doing it at this exact second.
Examples: (All of these sentences can be said while eating dinner in a restaurant.)
I am studying to become an engineer.
I am not reading any books right now.
Are you working on any special projects at work?

4. USE 3: Near Future
Sometimes, speakers use the Present Continuous to indicate that something will or will not happen in the near future.
Examples:
I am meeting some friends after work.
I am not going to the party tonight.
Is he visiting his parents next weekend?
Isn't he coming with us tonight?

5. USE 4 : Repetition and Irritation with "Always"
The Present Continuous with words such as "always" or "constantly" expresses the idea that something irritating or shocking often happens. Notice that the meaning is like Simple Present, but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words "always" or "constantly" between "be" and "verb+ing."
Examples:
She is always coming to class late.
He is constantly talking. I wish he would shut up.
I don't like them because they are always complaining.

6. Spelling
The general rule when changing a verb into its -ING form is just to add -ING to the end of the verb.
Examples:
FEEL: She wasn't feeling very well.
WORK: He is working on a new project.
SLEEP: The children are sleeping so be quiet.

7. Exception 1: If the verb ends in an E we remove the E and add ING
VERB-E+ING
Examples:
LIVE: People are living longer now than they were 100 years ago.
MAKE: We are making a chocolate cake.
TAKE: He was taking his time to get ready.

8. Exception 2: If the verb ends in a consonant + vowel + consonant, we double the final consonant and add ING.
VERB+LAST CONSONANT+ING
Examples:
STOP: The policeman is stopping the traffic.
PLAN: We are planning a surprise party for our teacher.
GET: I think I am getting a cold.

9. Exception 3: If a two-syllable verb ends in a consonant + vowel + consonant, we do not double the final consonant when the stress is on the first syllable.
Examples:
HAPPEN: What is happening?
OFFER: They are offering a discount.
SUFFER: Many people are suffering from lack of food and water.
And..

10. … we do not double the final consonant when the verb ends in W, X or Y or when the final syllable is not emphasized.
Examples:
FIX: He’s fixing his bike.
ENJOY: We are enjoying this great weather.
SNOW: It's snowing outside.

11. Exception 4: If the verb ends in IE we change it to YING.
VERB-IE+YING
Examples:
LIE: I know you are lying to me!
DIE: You should water your plant more because I think it is dying.
TIE: The little boy is tying his shoelaces.

12. Exception 5: If the verb ends in consonant + vowel + L, we normally double the final L and add ING.
VERB+L+ING
Examples:
TRAVEL: I am travelling around South America for 6 months.
MARVEL: He is marvelling at her beauty.
Note: In the United States (US) they do not double the L when the accent is on the first syllable.

13. Exception 6: If the verb ends in a stressed vowel + R, we double the final R and add ING.
VERB+R+ING
Examples:
REFER: Are you referring to this one or that one?
DEFER: They are thinking of deferring payment of their mortgage.
But…

14. … If the verb ends in an unstressed vowel + R, we do not double the final R and add ING.
Examples:
OFFER: I am offering you a special deal.
SUFFER: He is now suffering the consequences of his actions.
WHISPER: I wonder what he is whispering in her ear.

15. Signal Words Actions taking place at the moment of speaking (now)
currently
now / just now / right now
Listen!
Look!
Shhh!

16. Signal Words Arrangements for the near future in the morning
in the afternoon
in the evening
at noon / tonight
tomorrow
next ...

17. Signal Words Actions taking place only for a limited period of time
this week
this month
this year
these days
this season
this term

18. Signal Words
Actions taking place around now (but not at the moment of speaking) 
at the moment
now / just now / right now
Development, changing situations 
more and more