Lesson 10 of 46

Present continuous

Describe what is happening now or around now.

The rules

1.Form: am/is/are + verb-ing. Use it for actions in progress now or temporary situations: "I am writing a report."
2.Also use it for fixed future plans: "We are meeting at 3 pm tomorrow."
3.Stative verbs (know, like, love, want, need, believe, understand, have for possession) are not normally used in the continuous.
4.Do not use the present simple for something happening right now: say "I am working", not "I work" (unless it is a habit).

Incorrect: ~~I am knowing the answer.~~

Correct: I know the answer.

"Know" is a stative verb.

Incorrect: ~~I am wanting a coffee.~~

Correct: I want a coffee.

Stative verbs use the simple form.

Incorrect: ~~Please wait, he talks on the phone now.~~

Correct: Please wait, he is talking on the phone now.

Action in progress.

Watch out: If it is a state of mind or possession, use the simple form.

1. Please be quiet. The baby ___.

2. Which is correct?

3. We ___ a client tomorrow at 10.

Paste any text and see exactly what to fix, with the rule explained.