B. Negative statement; subject
+ auxiliary verb
+ main verb
complement you, we, they,
+ are
not base + -ing
I +
am not
base + -ing she, he, it
+ is
not base + -ing
C. Question; auxiliary verb
+ subject
+ main verb
complement are
+ you, we, they,
+ base + -ing
am +
I +
base + -ing is
+ she, he, it
+ base + -ing
Look at these examples;
• I am speaking to you. • They are reading books.
• Is he watching television? • Are they waiting for you?
3.1.2.1 The Usage of Present Continuous Tense
Present Continuous Tense is used to talk about:
1 Action happening exactly now.
Look at these examples: • I am eating right now.
• I am waiting for her call. • He is writing an essay.
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2 Action happening around now.
The action may not be happening exactly now, but it is happening just before and just after now, and it is not permanent or habitual.
Look at these examples: • Ariel is learning to sing.
• I am living with my friend until I find a new apartment. • This term she is studying English Grammar.
3 Present Continuous Tense for the future time.
The Present Continuous Tense is also used to talk about the future if it adds a future word. It must add or understand from the context a future word.
For example, tomorrow, next year, in June, at Christmas etc. The Present Continuous Tense is also used to talk about the future when we have planned to
do something before we speak. We have already made a decision and a plan before speaking
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Look at these examples:
• We are playing futsal tonight. We have already booked the field at
Terminal Futsal.
• I can play tennis with you tomorrow. I am not working.
• When are you attending your new school?
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3.1.2.2 Spelling of the Present Continuous Tense
The Present Continuous Tense is made by adding -ing to the base verb.
Normally it is simple - it just adds -ing. But sometimes it has to change the word a
little. Perhaps by doubling the last letter, or dropping a letter. Here are the rules to help you know how to spell the Present Continuous Tense taken from
www.EnglishClub.com .
Basic rule Just add -ing to the base verb:
work working
play playing
assist assisting
see seeing
be being
Exception 1
If the base verb ends in consonant + stressed vowel + consonant, double the last letter:
vowels = a, e, i, o, u stop
stopping run
running begin
beginning
Note that this exception does not apply when the last syllable of the base verb is not stressed:
s t
o p
consonant stressed
vowel consonant
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open opening
Exception 2
If the base verb ends in ie, change the ie to y:
lie lying
die dying
Exception 3
If the base verb ends in vowel + consonant + e, omit the e:
come coming
mistake mistaking
3.1.3 Present Perfect Tense
