(A) The present continuous tense, also known as the present progressive tense, is used to describe an ongoing action happening at the present moment or around the present time. It is formed using the present tense of the verb “to be” (am, is, are) followed by the present participle (-ing form) of the main verb. Here’s a step-by-step guide to understanding and using the present continuous tense:
(1) Subject: Identify the subject of the sentence. It can be a person, a thing, or a group of people.
(2) Verb “to be” (am, is, are): Choose the correct form of the verb “to be” based on the subject. Use “am” with the pronoun “I,” and use “is” with singular subjects (he, she, it), and use “are” with plural subjects (we, you, they).
(3) Present participle (-ing form): Take the base form of the main verb and add “-ing” to create the present participle.
(4) Rest of the sentence: Add any additional information or objects to complete the sentence.
Now, let’s go through the steps with some examples:
- I (subject)
- am (verb “to be” for the pronoun “I”)
- studying (present participle of the main verb “study”)
- English. (rest of the sentence)
Sentence: “I am studying English.”
(B) To form the present participle (also known as the “-ing” form) of a verb, you generally follow these rules:
For regular verbs:
(1) If the base verb ends in a consonant, simply add “-ing” to the end.
Examples:
- walk + ing = walking
- talk + ing = talking
- listen + ing = listening
- cook + ing = cooking
(2) If the base verb ends in “e,” drop the “e” and add “-ing.”
Examples:
- write – e + ing = writing
- dance – e + ing = dancing
- love – e + ing = loving
- drive – e + ing =driving
- smile – e + ing = smiling
(3) Verbs with “ee” or “oe” at the end:
If a verb ends with “ee” or “oe,” add “-ing” without any changes.
Examples:
- agree + ing = agreeing
- flee + ing = fleeing
- hoe + ing = hoeing
- pee + ing = peeing
- foresee + ing = foreseeing
(4) If the base verb ends in a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern (CVC) and the last syllable is stressed, double the final consonant and add “-ing.”
Examples:
- run + n + ing = running
- stop + p + ing + stopping
- get + t + ing = getting
- plan + n + ing = planning
- sit + t + ing = sitting
(5) Verbs ending in “w,” “x,” or “y”:
For verbs ending in “w,” “x,” or “y,” simply add “ing” to form the past continuous tense.
Examples:
- Bow + ing = Bowing
- Mix + ing = Mixing
- Play + ing = Playing
- Enjoy + ing = Enjoying
- Employ + ing = Employing
(6) For verbs ending in “ie,” change the “ie” to “y” and add “-ing.”
Examples:
- lie – ie + y + ing = lying
- die – ie + y + ing = dying
- tie – ie + y + ing = tying
- untie – ie + y + ing = untying
- vie – ie + y + ing = vying
(7) Verbs ending in “y”:
If a verb ends in “y” and the “y” is preceded by a consonant, simply add “-ing” to create the “-ing” form.
Examples:
- try + ing = trying
- fly + ing = flying
- carry + ing = carrying
- cry + ing = crying
- apply + ing = applying