Further Functions

 

We use the Present Continuous to:

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• talk about temporary states

A state that is true around the moment of speaking but temporary

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Are they living together now?

Only until she finds a new flat.

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What do you want to do while you are staying here?

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• talk about repeated temporary events

A repeated action which we believe to be temporary

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He is living in Glasgow while he finishes the contract

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I'm not eating ice cream this month

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• talk about change

the present continuous can be used to talk about a gradual change

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They are building a new football stadium on the old factory site

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James is getting better after his accident.

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• to criticise consistent unwanted behaviour

the present continuous is often used with adverbs of frequency to complain about behaviour that is unwanted

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She is always cleaning the house. It drives me mad

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I'm constantly losing my glasses!