Video 1: Introduction to the Present Continuous

Video 2: Present Continuous Part 2

Contracted forms:       am = 'm                          is   = 's                          are = 're
                               am not  = 'm not              is not = isn't                   are not  = aren't

2. Use of Present Continuous

You use the the present continuous to:

1.         show something is going on NOW. Signalwords are: "now, at the moment, look, listen..." etc.

2.         talk about the NEAR FUTURE.

3.         show IRRITATION. Usually the word "always" is in the sentence

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3. Examples use of present continuous

1.         I am reading at the moment. (It's going on NOW)

2.         They are dancing tonight. (Near future)

3.         He is always playing on the computer. (irritation)

4. Spelling rules

General Rule: Infinitive without 'to' + ING
to work --> working
to play --> playing 

Verbs that end with a silent E: drop the E + ING
to live --> living
to come --> coming 

Verbs that end with IE:  IE becomes Y +ING
to die --> dying
to lie --> lying 

Verbs with stress on the final syllable: double the last consonant +ING 
to stop --> stopping
to begin --> beginning 

Verbs ending with L: double the L +ING
to travel --> travelling
to quarrel --> quarrelling 

Verbs ending with IC:   IC + K +ING
to picnic --> picnicking
to panic --> panicking