Unit 22: PRESENT CONTINUOUS

This formation usually means 'now -- for a limited period of time'. We use the present tense of the auxiliary verb be (Unit 17) before the -ing form of the lexical verb (Unit 3).

Formation (be + -ing form)

STATEMENTS

EXAMPLES:
I am driving this quad to the first aid trailer.
The bosses are meeting me there.
They aren't coming out to the field.
They are timing my trip.

QUESTIONS

EXAMPLES:
Are you working on line today?
How are you making out?
Who is taking over your shift?
They aren't going into the city?
Why aren't they driving there?

NOTICE: For spelling problems with the -ing form of the verb, look at Appendix 6.

Use

PRESENT ACTIVITY

EXAMPLES:
Be quiet! The site manager is speaking.
They are discussing some major changes.
What are you planning to do?

TEMPORARY STATE

EXAMPLES:
She is staying at the work camp.
He isn't claming his expenses.

CHANGING STATE

EXAMPLES:
Stop! The truck is sliding!
The roads on this pipeline are getting muddier.

FUTURE PLANS

EXAMPLE: We are leaving for the site in the morning.

NOTICE:
Present continuous or present simple or present perfect? (Unit 39)
Present continuous or going to or will? (Unit 41)

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Exercise 22.1
Exercise 22.2