Question

Basic form

Subject + IS/ARE + Verb (continuous form)

 

The present continuous tense is most often used for the following:

• For actions happening now
• For future arrangements
• To express annoyance at repeated actions

 

Examples:

• He is sleeping.
• I am visiting grandpa in the afternoon.
• You are always coming late for the meetings!

 

Difference between the present simple and the present continuous:

Present Simple:

Things which are always true (Water boils at 100 degrees)

Habits or things we do regularly (I drink coffee every morning)

To talk about what happens in books, plays and films (At the end of the book, the detective catches the killer)

Present Continuous:

Things which are happening at the moment of speaking (The water is boiling now, so you can put in the pasta)

Temporary or new habits (I'm drinking too much coffee these days because I'm so busy at work)

To talk about people in pictures and photos (In this photo, my mother is walking beside a lake)