2015-08-12
575
We use the Present Continuous to refer to activities and events planned for the future.
Bob and Bill are meeting tonight. (implies that they’ve arranged it)
It is commonly associated with future arrival and departure and occurs with verbs like arrive, come, go, leave, etc. to describe travel arrangements. We generally need an adverbial unless the meaning is clear from the context:
We're spending next winter in Australia.
He's arriving tomorrow morning on the 13.27 train.
The adverbial and the context prevent confusion with the present continuous to describe an action which is in progress at the time of speaking:
Look! The train's leaving (i.e. it's actually moving).
With the verbs do, have and verbs indicating position such as stay, remain, etc. Present Continuous can be used more widely. It can express a decision or plan without any definite arrangement.
6 We often use Present Continuous with verbs of movement to talk about actions which are just starting:
Get your coat on. I am taking you down to the doctor.
7 We use Present Continuous to describe a continual process:
The Earth is always moving.
The sun is ever shining.
8 Present Continuous is used with the adverbs always, constantly, continually, all the time and forever to show irritation, annoyance, disapproval.
He is always talking too much. (His talking too much irritates the speaker. He could have talked less.)
Our burglar alarm is forever going off for no reason.
Sometimes it’s possible to use Present Continuous to express unexpected, unplanned actions:
I am always meeting Mrs. Gale in the supermarket.
9 Present Continuous is used to ask people politely about their plans:
What are you doing next Saturday?
10 Present Continuous is used for “background” situations in present tense narrative:
So, I am standing there minding my own business when the policeman walks up to me.
