This document provides information about and examples of the simple present continuous tense in English. It is used to describe actions that are happening now or ongoing at the moment of speaking. Some key points include: - The simple present continuous is formed with am/is/are + the -ing form of the verb. - It is used for actions in progress now such as "I am waiting" or "She is working." - Certain verbs like know, think, believe are never used in the present continuous as they describe mental states rather than actions.

1. Simple Present Progressive Tense
Continuous actions- actions
happening now / at the moment of
speaking

2. Simple Present Continuous Tense
•
• Used for actions •
I am waiting.
Are you listening?
happening at the • She isn’t working today.
• Hurry up! We are all waiting for you!
moment of speaking – • What are you doing?
now (uncompleted • I am writing a letter
actions) the present • Why are you crying?
• He is working at his office at the moment.
moment of focus • He is studying for an exam now.
•
• My mother is reading the newspaper at
the moment in the living room .
• am/is/are + - ing •
•
The baby is sleeping at the back.
I can’t come to dinner. I am talking with
my friend on skype.
• I am waiting for the shops to open.
• He is looking at the photo on his mobile.

3. Verbs that do not take - ing
These verbs refer to states (mental and emotional states) and conditions (senses) but
not in actions
Some verbs are never or hardly ever used in progressive forms
I like this music. (not I’m liking this music)
I called her on the phone because I needed to talk. (not because I am needing
to talk)
I see what you mean. (not I am seeing what you mean) but I am seeing the
doctor at 10 o’clock.
Know - think - believe – feel - imagine - like - love - hate - understand
want - wish - prefer - remember (states)
Smell – taste - feel - hear - see - sound (the senses)
Can – must – should – will (modal verbs don’t have progressive forms)
But
I am feeling fine.
What are you thinking about ?
I am seeing my friend from school tomorrow.
Why are you smelling the meat? Is it bad.

4. Present continuous OR Present simple?
Fill in this text.
'My name _______________ (to be) Peter; l _____________
(to live) in the suburbs of Boston with my family. Most
people _____________ (to believe)
we are (to be) rich because we ____________ (to live) in a
big house.
But our family ____________ (to be) like any other one.
Have a look:
Maggy, my wife, ___________ (to like) cooking. She
___________ (to enjoy) being in the kitchen with her friends.
At the moment she _______________(to make) a cake and
you can't talk to her. What really _______________ (to
worry) her is our daughter who ______________ (to prefer)
to chat in front of her computer instead of cooking with her.
It's 5 pm. Paul, my son, _______________ (to play)
basketball in the garden and I _______________(to watch)
TV,
I _________________ (to wait) for this delicious cake that
Maggy ________________(to cook) . I told you, a family as
yours. '