Point 1: We use the present continuous for actions that start and finish within a timeframe. We often say the action is happenign now.
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What are you doing?
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I’m calling my friend. (The action will stop soon)
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What are you watching on TV?
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I’m watching a documentary about the Olympics.
Point 2: We use the present simple tense for an action that is repeating or ongoing. We use the present continuous if the action will end at some time.
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I live in New York.
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I’m living in New York at the moment. (I will move at some point)
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I work a lot.
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I’m working a lot these days. (I will work less soon.)
Point 3: In fast spoken English, the be verbs are contracted and the /g/ in the /-ing/ is ommited.
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I am having a good time.
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I’m havin’ a good time.
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She is making a big mistake.
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She’s makin’ a big mistake.
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He is not coming to the party.
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He isn’t comin’ to the party.
Point 4: We often use the present continuous for plans in the future, especially if the action is known or anticipated by other people.
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Are you coming to the party tomorrow night?
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Yes, I’m going, but I’m working tomorrow, so I might be late.
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Is anyone coming with you?
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Yes, I’m bringing my friend.
Part 1: Daniel goes to Hana’s house.
Daniel: Hey, I’m really sorry I’m late. I came as fast as I could.
Hana: It’s OK. Nobody has really come yet.
Daniel: Why? Where are they?
Hana: Well, John is shopping. He is getting some food.
Daniel: OK, what about Emma? Where is she?
Hana: Emma has an exam, so she is studying and she is going to come later.
Daniel: OK, how about Alex? I don’t see him around.
Hana: Oh, Alex is over there. He is preparing for the BBQ.
Daniel: Oh, yeah, that’s right. And how about Marcus and Emily?
Hana: They are over there. They are playing.
Daniel: Oh, so how many people are left? Who else is coming?
Hana: Uh, I don’t know. No one has really contacted me yet.
Daniel: Oh, well, let’s hope we can get around ten people maybe.
Hana: Yes, I hope so.
Daniel: Cool!
Part 2: Hana goes to Daniel’s house.
Hana: Hello!
Daniel: Hello, come in.
Hana: Where is everyone?
Daniel: Well, everyone is doing something right now.
Hana: Oh, really? Where’s your mom?
Daniel: My mom? She’s at the mall. I think she’s shopping. I think she’s getting the groceries for the week.
Hana: Oh! How about your dad?
Daniel: Well, every weekend he goes to the country club, so I think he’s playing golf with his friend now.
Hana: Where’s your brother and sister?
Daniel: My brother, he’s upstairs. I think he’s probably sleeping or playing video games as he always does. And my sister, she’s at school. She’s playing soccer cause she has a game today.
Hana: Oh, really? When does the game start?
Daniel: I think in twenty or thirty minutes.
Hana: Let’s go watch it.
Daniel: Really, that sounds fun. Let’s go.
