Present continuous / Signal words
We use the present continuous for things that are happening at the moment of speaking. These things usually last for quite a short time and they are not finished when we are talking about them.
- I'm working at the moment.
- Please call back as we are eating dinner now.
- Julie is sleeping
We can also use present continuous...
- for something which is happening before and after a given time:
At eight o'clock we are usually having breakfast.
When I get home the children are doing their homework.
- for something which we think is temporary:
Michael is at university. He's studying history.
I'm working in London for the next two weeks.
- for something which is new and contrasts with a previous state:
These days most people are using email instead of writing letters.
What sort of clothes are teenagers wearing nowadays? What sort of music are they listening to?
- to show that something is changing, growing or developing:
The children are growing quickly.
The climate is changing rapidly.
Your English is improving.
- for something which happens again and again:
It's always raining in London.
They are always arguing.
George is great. He's always laughing.
Note: We normally use always with this use.
2. We use the present continuous tense to talk about the future:
- for something which has been arranged or planned:
Mary is going to a new school next term.
What are you doing next week?
3. We can use the present continuous to talk about the past:
- When we are telling a story:
- When we are summarising the story from a book, film or play etc.:
SIGNAL WORDS
Signal words tell you what tense you have to use. In the Present Progressive these words are used in situations which happen at the time of speaking.
