Unit 5.2
Present Continuous Affirmative
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Introduction
The present continuous (or progressive) is the tense used to express situations that are happening now (before, during and after the moment of speaking).
When expressed in its affirmative form, the verb confirms that something is happening now.
Form
The present continuous, in its affirmative form, has this structure:
Subject + to be + [verb + -ing] + …
Regular
We add -ing at the end of the verb:
- short form of the affirmative form is the same as the short form of to be (spoken language or informal writing): I’m – you’re – he’s…
| Subject | to be | Verb + -ing |
|---|---|---|
| I | am | working |
| You | are | working |
| He | is | working |
| She | is | working |
| It | is | working |
| We | are | working |
| You | are | working |
| They | are | working |
Exceptions
The exceptions of the present continuous in the affirmative form are:
- verbs with suffix -e: drop -e and add -ing;
| Infinitive | Verb + -ing |
|---|---|
| write | writing |
| smile | smiling |
| take | taking |
- verbs ending in a consonant which comes after a vowel, verbs with the accent on the last syllable and verbs ending in -l: double the consonant;
| Infinitive | Verb + -ing |
|---|---|
| sit | sitting |
| begin | beginning |
| spill | spilling |
- verbs with suffix -ie: drop -ie and add -ying.
| Infinitive | Verb + -ing |
|---|---|
| die | dying |
| lie | lying |
| tie | tying |
Example
- We’re doing our homework.
She is writing a memoir. - I am fixing the shelves tonight.
We are repeating the class next week.
- I am becoming better at sitting exams.
I am getting happier and happier. - The student is asking questions repeatedly.
I am always photocopying worksheets for you! - I am currently working in a bar.
I am living in London fo the summer.
Use
We use present continuous, in its affirmative form, to confirm:
- actions happening at the moment of speaking;
- actions that are planned for the future;
- changes and tendencies;
- consistency of the events;
- temporary activities (that will finish in the future).
Summary
The present continuous, in the affirmative form, is used to confirm situations that are going on around the moment of speaking.
When we use the present continuous in its affirmative form, we start with the subject followed by the verb to be and a verb that ends with -ing.
For example:
— “He is working on an important project today.” = We use the present continuous to express an action that takes place while talking (in that moment).
♦ “He works on important projects.” = We use the present simple to express an action that happens repeatedly or always in the present.
There are some exceptions, depending on the ending of the verb.
For example:
— Suffix -e: drop -e and add -ing. “Shake” ⇒ “Shaking“.
— Ending in a consonant which comes after a vowel, verbs with the accent on the last syllable and verbs ending in -l: double the consonant. “Put“ ⇒ “Putting“.
— Suffix -ie: drop -ie and add -ying: “Tie“ ⇒ “Tying“.
Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section which shows its use within a context.
Exercises
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