Present Continuous

The Present Continuous in English

In this lesson let´s explain how it is conjugated and the construction of the gerund:

1. Conjugation the present continuous.

2. Construction of the gerund.

2.1 Verbs finish in -ie.

2.2 Verbs finish in -e.

2.3 Bending of the final consonant in the formation of the gerund.

[SUBJECT] + am/are/is (Verb To Be) + [VERB WITH -ING]

Example:

To sing:

I am singing

You are singing

He is singing

As a general rule to form the gerund in English, "-ing" is added.

2.1 Verbs finish in -ie

The ending "-ie" is replaced with "-ying".

Example:

Lie = Lying

Die = Dying

2.2 Verbs finish in -e

The final "-e" is replaced by "-ing".

Example:

Use = Using

Have = Having

2.3 Bending the final consonant

Numerous verbs double their final consonant to formal the gerund:

Get Getting

Set Setting

Forbid Forbidding

For the folding to take place, these 3 conditions must be met:

1. That the word ends in a single consonant (other than r, w, x or y) [example: set]

2. When the last consonant is preceded by a single vowel. [example: let']

3. That the word is monosyllabic or that the accent falls on the last syllable or that the word ends in "L".