GRAMMAR + EXERCISES: Pres. Continuous
Present continuous.
a. We use the Present Continuous to talk about actions in progress now, at the moment of speaking.
E.g. We are studying English. (= now, in this moment)
She is doing her homework. (= now, in this moment)
► Remember! Use Present Simple, not the Present Continuous, to talk about habits or routines.
E.g. I get up at 6 every day. NOT I’m getting up at 6 every day.
► We also use the Present Continuous to talk about actions that happen in this period of time, even if not exactly now.
E.g. I’m reading a very interesting book in these days. (= not now, but in these days).
The Present Continuous describes temporary actions/activities.
► Remember! With verbs like: want, need, prefer, love, hate, understand, etc. we DON’T use the Present Continuous, because these verbs describe states, not actions (like: play, run, write, drink etc.) Only actions can be “in progress”, so we don’t use the Present Continuous with state verbs.
E.g. I want to buy a new car. NOT I’m wanting to buy a new car.
He
needs some help today. NOT He
is needing some help today.
b. Watch this video for the rules to form the affirmative, negative and interrogative forms of the Present Continuous. You can click on “Mostra altro” to read the transcript.
c. Now
do these exercises: http://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/present-continuous-exercise-5.html http://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/present-continuous-exercise-6.html http://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/present-continuous-exercise-7.html