Present Continuous: two uses.
Subject + be + Verb+ing

- Can be used for talking about (i) 'now' or (ii) the future when we know what the future will be.
e.g. (i) I'm studying at the moment. Please go away.
(ii) I'm working tomorrow so I can't go shopping with you. (i.e. I know I am working tomorrow - I know what the future will be).

Practice Exercise:

Choose when to use the Present Continuous! Careful - it isn't always correct.
1. I………(come) from France. I'm French. Where…you… (come) from?                                     I'm from South Africa.            I'm from the Ukraine.
2. She…….(call) from Denmark. She's on the phone now.
3. My wife isn't in England at the moment. She…..(work) in Tokyo.
4. We…….(live) in Lesotho but we…….(stay) in Dublin for a month.
5. I can't go out tonight, I……..(wash) my hair. (a typical girl's excuse!)
6. The professor……..(go) to work three days a week. The rest of the time he….(stay) at home. He ……(retire) soon.
7. Some people…… (speak) many languages like Tamara who speaks Russian, Italian, English, German and French. Which language …….she (speak) now? Listen.
8. I………(see) my friend tonight so I can't see you. Sorry!
9. They……….(have) a party, that's why there's so much noise!
10. The Queen………(go) for a walk every day. In this photograph she ………(walk) with her dogs.

Answers:

1. I come from France…Where do you come from?
2. She's calling from Denmark.
3. She's working in Tokyo.
4. We live in Lesotho but we are staying in Dublin at the moment.
5. ….I'm washing my hair!
6. …He goes to work 3 days a week. The rest of the time he stays at home. He's retiring soon.
7. Some people speak many languages…..what language is she speaking now?
8. I'm seeing my friend tonight…
9. They are having a party, that's why there's so much noise.
10. She goes for a walk every day….in the photo she's walking with her dogs.

See The A - Z of English Grammar & Usage for the rules.

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