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.
Harold is seeking repeat business this year.
The food service company isn't serving at 8 o'clock.
The customers are lining up for tickets at seven.
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.
They are betting on ecotourism as a remedy this year.
Positive Form:
Subject + to be + verb + ing + (object(s))
She's discussing which decoration works best with the designer right now.
Negative Form:
Subject + to be + not + verb + ing + (object(s))
Alice isn't watching the stage shows.
Question Form:
(Wh-) + to be + verb + ing?
Where are the food cost invoices being mailed right now?
NOTE: Common time expressions used with the present continuous include:
at the moment
currently
this week
today
now
Example:
Harold is developing the blueprints for the new extended care facilities this month.
Harold is focusing on guest relations this quarter.
The line cooks are striking for higher pay at the moment.
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:
I feel pleased about the décor.
The international traveler feels under the weather today.
He feels depressed about travel trends.