Using the present simple and continuous
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Overview | page 3 of 3 |
Uses of the present continuous
The present continuous is typically used to refer to actions or events that are in progress at the moment of speaking or writing:
Businessmen are looking elsewhere for English-speaking staff.
(SCMP 28/4/94)
In the next example, the present continuous is used to refer to firm plans for the future:
I'm leaving at the end of this week. (Bank of English)
The present continuous is also used if a mental process is interpreted as an activity:
Is that the thing you are thinking about? (Bank of English)
For further information about the uses of the present continuous, see 
Using the present simple and continuous: Using the present continuous.
Introduction
Uses of the present continuous
