Using the present simple and continuous
|
Using the present continuous | page 2 of 9 |
Actions or events in progress
In clauses representing actions or events, the present continuous typically refers to actions or events that are in progress at the moment of speaking:
Martha, I'm sorry. I'm teaching at the moment. Can I ring you back?
(Bank of English)What are you doing here, Pop? (Bank of English)
In these examples, the focus is on actions or events that are taking place now. To emphasise the incompleteness of the actions or events described, the adverb still is sometimes used:
The fire is still burning. (SCMP 3/9/92)
I'm still working on it. (Bank of English)
If you would like to see a teaching activity for Secondary 1 - 2 which gives students
practice in the present continuous to describe things happening at the moment of speaking,
click on 
ON THE BEACH
and MIMING NOW.
If you would like to see a teaching activity for Secondary 4 - 5 which gives students
practice in the present continuous to talk about what is happening at the moment of
speaking, click on FOLLOWING A
SUSPECT.
Introduction
Actions or events in progress
