Unit 22: PRESENT CONTINUOUS
This formation usually means 'now -- for a limited period of time'. We use the present tense of the auxiliary verb be (Unit 17) before the -ing form of the lexical verb (Unit 3).
Formation (be + -ing form)
STATEMENTS
EXAMPLES:
I am writing this letter to thank you.
Bus fares are going up today.
He is not taking the exam this year.
They aren't having a lesson at the moment.
QUESTIONS
EXAMPLES:
Am I disturbing you?
How much are they going up by?
Who is taking the exam this year?
They aren't having a lesson at the moment?
Why aren't they having a lesson?
NOTICE: For spelling problems with the -ing form of the verb, look at Appendix 6.
Use
PRESENT ACTIVITY
EXAMPLES:
Be quiet! The Prime Minister is speaking.
They are having dinner at the moment.
What are you doing?
TEMPORARY STATE
EXAMPLES:
She is staying at the Metropolitan Hotel.
He isn't feeling very well today.
CHANGING STATE
EXAMPLES:
Quick! The bus is stopping.
Pollution in the city is getting worse.
FUTURE PLANS
EXAMPLE: We are leaving at ten o'clock tomorrow.
NOTICE:
Present continuous or present simple or present perfect? (Unit 39)
Present continuous or going to or will? (Unit 41)
