Questions tagged [present-continuous]
It is used to express a continued or ongoing action at present time. It expresses an action which is in progress at the time of speaking. Using the suffix '-ing'
559
questions
0
votes
1
answer
28
views
Janet is going on a vacation. (is this progressive or future?)
Janet is going on a vacation.
I saw this sentence on internet. Is Janet now, at this moment, going on a vacation? Or, does Janet have a plan to go on a vacation very soon?
- 3,618
1
vote
0
answers
22
views
How to tell if I need to put present continuous or past simple in a sentence
For example
I was getting ready
I got ready
When do i use which?
- 11
0
votes
0
answers
30
views
Presnt Continuous or Present Perfect Continuous? [duplicate]
Source:
https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2023-03-16/blackrocks-larry-fink-does-not-rule-out-a-liquidity-crisis-after-svb-collapse.html
Fink states that since the 2008 financial crisis, ...
- 2,057
1
vote
3
answers
53
views
present simple and continuous tense
My teacher said the second sentences below is wrong, but it looks grammatically correct to me. Help!
I’m spending this weekend near the coast. I go there nearly every weekend.
I spend this weekend ...
- 35
0
votes
1
answer
20
views
Maybe the dream "is telling" you the future when you "are sleeping" - When we make a general statement, can we use the present continuous tense?
When we make a general statement (something habitual, or something regularly occurring), can we use the present continuous tense?
Example 1
A: I have been seeing dreams recently.
B: Maybe the dream ...
- 1,517
0
votes
1
answer
33
views
"I have an emergency" vs. "I'm having an emergency"
Can you please tell me if both sentences below are perfectly natural and have the same meaning?
I can't visit you today as I have an emergency.
I can't visit you today as I'm having an emergency.
I'...
- 15.3k
0
votes
1
answer
33
views
Present perfect vs Present continuous with period around now
I know that we can use Present continuous with period around now. For example
You are working hard today.
but we can also use Present perfect and Present perfect continuous with period around now. ...
- 17
0
votes
1
answer
49
views
Rule of thumb for "temporary" and "permanent"
We use the present simple to talk about permanent facts and general truths. In this example we don’t expect the situation to change.
She lives with her parents.
We use the present continuous to talk ...
- 17
-2
votes
1
answer
30
views
He's always flirting with you -- no irritation [closed]
He's always flirting with you
One girls says that to another to encourage her to talk to a boy. She's not irritated in any way -- and that's what this structure is generally used for.
Is she stressing ...
- 457
0
votes
0
answers
21
views
present progressive vs present simple
1.If your dog is wagging its tail when they're playing with another dog, that's a sign of a happy dog.
2.If a dog is wagging its tail when encountering an unfamiliar child, it is safe for the child to ...
- 457
1
vote
1
answer
37
views
Conditionals (1st conditional)
I am wondering if we can use present continuous in the “main clause”? And if so, yes why?
Example:
If you do that again, I am killing you.
The right way to say it is:
If you do that again, I will ...
- 11
0
votes
1
answer
15
views
Present Progressive indicates progressive or near future?
A woman says, “My toes are turning red. I think I’m getting frostbite.” at 0:46 of the ABC News clip: https://ia600909.us.archive.org/29/items/KGO_20101216_013000_ABC_World_News_With_Diane_Sawyer/...
- 323
0
votes
0
answers
75
views
How to use the present continuous with performative verbs?
My textbook says:
Some verbs used as performatives with the present simple in affirmative (= positive) sentences (apologize, deny, guarantee, promise) have a similar meaning with either the present ...
- 103
0
votes
1
answer
24
views
what are you thinking about this car?
The norm is "What do you think about this car?"
But would it not make any sense to say:
"What are you thinking about this car?" to mean "what is that that you are thinking ...
- 3,617
4
votes
1
answer
49
views
Why is the present simple not possible here? (cost)
I have the following exercise in my textbook:
This weekend costs / is costing me a fortune — but it’s worth it.
It is asked to choose the correct or more natural form of cost.
The correct answer is ...
- 103
1
vote
0
answers
25
views
Why is the present continuous not possible here? (cost)
I have the following exercise in my textbook:
Flights always cost / are always costing a fortune during school holidays.
It is asked to choose the correct or more natural form of cost.
The correct ...
- 103
0
votes
1
answer
31
views
Why is the present continuous possible here? (run)
I have the following exercise in my textbook:
I can’t complain. I (run) my own consultancy business.
The context is “. . . conversation between two ex-colleagues who have not seen each other for ...
- 103
2
votes
1
answer
19
views
Why is only the present continuous appropriate here?
I have the following exercise in my textbook:
So, Matt, how are things with you? You look very well. I hear you (do) OK for yourself.
The context is “. . . conversation between two ex-colleagues who ...
- 103
0
votes
1
answer
23
views
Why is the present continuous possible here? (look)
I have the following exercise in my textbook:
So, Matt, how are things with you? You (look) very well.
The context is “. . . conversation between two ex-colleagues who have not seen each other for ...
- 103
0
votes
1
answer
27
views
Which one of the present simple and present continuous to use with stative verbs?
My textbook explains that “we use the present simple with states or situations that exist at the present moment.” As an example the textbook gives the following sentence:
This cake tastes wonderful. ...
- 103
1
vote
2
answers
52
views
"I've brought my car to repair" Or "I am bringing my car for repair"?
Which one is more natural/common way to say:
I am bringing my car to repair
I am bringing my car for repairing
I have brought my car to repair
I have brought my car for repairing
After I entered a ...
- 123
-1
votes
1
answer
33
views
I am having a party at 7 PM [closed]
Is it OK to specify the time when the party starts yet to use the present continuous?
I am having a party at 7 PM.
Why I think it might be wrong is because 7 PM refers to a schedule. So, why not the ...
- 3,617
1
vote
2
answers
54
views
The usage of "be having" with repeated actions
I am always having a good time when I go to the cinema.
I think it wrong.
I always have a good time when I go to the cinema. - correct.
She is always taking a shower when I arrive. - correct
She ...
- 3,617
2
votes
1
answer
141
views
The present continuous vs. the present perfect continuous when talking about temporary habitual actions?
Would you please tell me if there is any difference in meaning between the present continuous the present perfect continuous when talking about temporary habitual actions? For example:
I'm going to ...
- 15.3k
1
vote
1
answer
45
views
"Is there a reason you ask?" vs. "is there a reason you are asking" in context? [duplicate]
Can you please tell me if there is a difference in meaning between is there a reason you ask? and is there a reason you are asking? In the context below?
Person A: Are you going to work on Saturday.
...
- 15.3k
0
votes
3
answers
71
views
"I don't hear you clearly" vs. "I'm not hearing you clearly" in context
Would you please tell me if there is any difference in meaning between I don't hear you clearly and I'm not hearing you clearly in the context below?
Would you please speak into the phone as I don't ...
- 15.3k
0
votes
1
answer
22
views
I am reading/I read this book (for) three hours every other day
1 Is it true that "for" means three hours in a row while without "for" it means three random hours?
2 Which tense fits better with this sentence? Or both are OK?
1 I am reading ...
- 3,617
0
votes
3
answers
35
views
He is calling me every Saturday. What are the meanings? [closed]
I know that the usual way is:
He calls me every Saturday.
But I think "He is calling me every Saturday" must mean something. My assumption is that it can mean:
a) He spends every Saturday ...
- 3,617
0
votes
1
answer
25
views
Present Simple (events, complete actions)
As we know, Present Simple can be used not only for regular actions but for complete actions aswell, but I find it difficult to identify which sentences will be perceived as complete actions.
She is ...
2
votes
2
answers
41
views
Is it correct and natural to use both the present simple and the present continuous for future scheduled events?
Is it correct and natural to use both the present simple and the present continuous for future scheduled events? For example:
I go home tomorrow at 4pm.
I'm going home tomorrow at 4pm.
By that I ...
- 15.3k
1
vote
2
answers
276
views
"We offer" vs. "we are offering" in context [closed]
Can you please tell me if I need to say we offer or we are offering in the context below?
We are clearly at fault in this situation, so we offer you a 100 dollar discount.
We are clearly at fault in ...
- 15.3k
0
votes
1
answer
16
views
Tenses for future non-continuous actions
Do we use future continuous only for continuous actions?
If yes, how should I express future actions that couldn’t be continuous?
Example:
(1) I ______ (be) in the park at 10 am.
PS: feel free to add ...
1
vote
2
answers
65
views
I work vs I am working (Present Simple vs Present Continous)
I have doubts when it comes to deciding if I should use the Present Simple or the Present Continous tense. Below are the examples:
I have worked for 4 companies so far. Now I work/I am working for X ...
- 11
1
vote
1
answer
27
views
"I am looking for a good doctor before meeting you." Is this a correct sentence?
I am concerned about the sequence of two works. Can I use present continuous tense (am looking for) like this?
- 23
0
votes
2
answers
41
views
Ways to talk about the future
What are the most natural ways to say it?
(1) David just called. He said he will not be coming to the meeting.
(2) David just called. He said he will not come to the meeting.
(3) David just called. ...
0
votes
0
answers
27
views
I’m thinking about what happened. I often think about it
Is it possible to use "I'm thinking" & "I often think" in real life if we speak about the same thing right now?
I’m thinking about what happened. I often think about it.
I ...
- 2,252
1
vote
1
answer
157
views
Is there any difference in meaning between "do you follow me?" and "are you following me?" when are you asking someone if they understand you?
Can you please tell me if there is there any difference in meaning between do you follow me? and are you following me? when you asking someone if they understand you? For example:
I've heard both used ...
- 15.3k
2
votes
2
answers
29
views
Which one is more natural: "the light isn't turning on" or "the light won't turn on"?
Can you please tell me which one is more natural: the light isn't turning on or the light won't turn on? For example:
The light in the bathroom isn't turning on, so I guess I need to go out to buy a ...
- 15.3k
0
votes
1
answer
164
views
Nicky is thinking of giving up her job
Nicky is thinking of giving up her job
In this sentence why have give+ing? I know give up means release.
I want to know why in this sentence uses "giving up"?
- 11
1
vote
1
answer
52
views
I am/have been busy (Present Simple/Cont vs Present Perfect Cont)
Let's suppose I am saying these sentences on Thursday
I am really busy this week
I have been really busy this week
Sentence 1 I believe implies "I am busy today and I will likely be busy all ...
0
votes
1
answer
49
views
Why did the writer choose future continuous instead of present continuous
Quick reminder as we go into the weekend that I'll be closing the order book for the new design T-shirt at noon on Sunday.
I would like to know if it would have been possible to write "am ...
- 6,465
0
votes
1
answer
46
views
How to use the present tense when the story is in the past without seeming to look like it is a grammatical mistake?
We often use the present simple and present continuous in stories and
jokes in informal spoken English to create the impression that events
are happening now. This can make them more direct and ...
- 4,890
1
vote
1
answer
22
views
Present continuous tense for a babitual or repeated thing - verb choices
Present continuous tense can be used to describe Longer Actions in Progress.
The example are from Englishpage.com
I am studying to become a doctor.
I am not studying to become a dentist.
I am ...
- 1,517
1
vote
2
answers
139
views
In what contexts would I say "I'm suggesting" as opposed to "I suggest"?
Can you please tell me in what contexts I would say I'm suggesting as opposed to I suggest? For example, is there any difference in meaning between the following sentences?
I suggest we stop by this ...
- 15.3k
2
votes
1
answer
106
views
Is there a nuance of difference in meaning between "I insist" and "I'm insisting"?
Can you please tell me if there is a nuance of difference in meaning between I insist and I'm insisting? For example:
I insist that you stay in as it's really hot today.
I'm insisting that you stay ...
- 15.3k
1
vote
1
answer
78
views
Is it correct to say: "We should start talking in English from now on"?
I am practicing English with some friends. When it comes to a regular conversation, I can communicate pretty well, but I'm not really into grammar rules. So, in one specific occasion , one of these ...
- 113
2
votes
2
answers
107
views
Is there any difference in meaning between "I bet" and "I'm betting" in the sense of believing something will happen?
Would you tell me if there is any difference in meaning between I bet and I'm betting in the sense of believing something will happen? For example:
I bet you will pass the test this time.
I'm ...
- 15.3k
1
vote
1
answer
238
views
What's the difference in meaning between "expect someone to do something" and "be expecting someone to do something"?
Can you please tell me what's the difference in meaning between expect someone to do something and be expecting someone to do something? For example:
The boss expects me to finish the project by ...
- 15.3k
0
votes
1
answer
112
views
What is the slight difference in meaning between "I refuse" and "I'm refusing"?
I'd like to what's the slight difference in meaning between I refuse and I'm refusing. For example:
I refuse to work this Sunday.
I'm refusing to work this Sunday.
I'm aware of the difference ...
- 15.3k
0
votes
2
answers
246
views
'I wouldn't lie' vs 'I wouldn't be lying'
Is there any difference between those two forms:
I wouldn't be lying
I wouldn't lie
For example:
I wouldn't be lying if I said this is the best evening in my life!
I wouldn't lie if I said this is ...
Paul