Present Continuous

Present Continuous

FORM Present Continuous

[AM / IS / ARE] + [VERB+ing]

EXAMPLES: I am watching TV. He is learning the language. Are you listening?

USE 1 Now

Usa el Present Continuous para expresar la idea de duración de algo que está ocurriendo ahora.

EXAMPLES:

You are learning English at the moment.

You are not swimming now.

I am sitting.

I am not standing.

They are reading their books.

They are not watching television.

What are you doing?

Why aren't you doing your homework?

USE 2 Longer Actions in Progress Now

Now (=ahora) puede significar “esta semana”, “este mes”, “este año”, “este…”. Es decir, se puede usar para cosas que estás haciendo en esta época aunque no sea justamente en este instante.

EXAMPLES: (All of these sentences can be said while eating dinner in a restaurant.)

I am studying to become a doctor.

I am not studying to become a dentist.

I am reading the book Tom Sawyer.

Are you studying 2nd grade of GCSE?

Aren't you teaching at the University now?

USE 3 Near Future

A veces se usa el Present Continuous para hablar de algo que fijo que va a ocurrir en el futuro, porque hemos hecho algo para que fijo que ocurra (como reservar un billete, etc.).

I’m going to London = Voy a ir a Londres.

EXAMPLES:

I am meeting some friends after work.

I am not going to the party tonight.

Is he visiting his parents next weekend?

He isn’t coming with us tonight.

USE 4 Repetition and Irritation with "Always"

El Present Continuous con "always" o "constantly" expresa la idea de que algo irritante ocurre a menudo.

He is always gossiping = Siempre está criticando.

EXAMPLES:

She is always coming to class late.

I don't like them -- they are always complaining.

...