Happening Right Now
Present Continuous
To express what is happening at the present moment in time use the present continuous. The present continuous is also sometimes referred to as the present progressive.
John's stock portfolio isn't making much money in this economy.
They are discussing whether this will give an added value to the existing project.
The supermarket is giving very good discounted rates when you purchase more than 10 items worth $20.
Another use of the present continuous is to express what is happening around the current period of time. This is often used in work settings when discussing a project that is currently in progress.
Master Card is delaying changes to their card holder agreements.
Positive Form:
Subject + to be + verb + ing + (object(s))
Profits for this fiscal year are improving.
Negative Form:
Subject + to be + not + verb + ing + (object(s))
We aren't measuring the liquid assets accurately.
Question Form:
(Wh-) + to be + verb + ing?
NOTE: Common time expressions used with the present continuous include:
at the moment
currently
this week
today
now
Example:
The company's lower book value is forcing its liquidation this month.
At the moment, I am going into the vault to open her safety deposit box.
Stative Verbs
Stative verbs express a state. Action verbs express an action, or task that someone performs.
Stative are never used in continuous forms. Here is a list of common stative verbs:
believe
understand
think (opinion)
want
hope
smell
taste
feel
sound
look
seem
appear
Example:
It sounds like a share issue is forthcoming for Ford Motor Company.
He feels like the price is not negotiable.
He sounds less than enthused about it.