We use the present continuous when we talk about something which is happening at the time of speaking:
- Please don't make so much noise. I'm studying(not 'I study')
- 'Where is Margaret?' 'She's havinga bath.' (not 'she has')
- Let's go out now. It isn't rainingany more.
- (at a party) Hello, Ann. Areyou enjoyingthe party? (not 'do you enjoy')
b) We also use the present continuous when we talk about something which is happening around, the time of speaking, but not necessarily exactly at the time of speaking.. Study this example situation:
-Tom and Ann are talking and drinking in a cafe. Tom says: 'I'm readingan interesting book at the moment. I'll lend it to you when I've finished it.'
Tom is not reading the book at the time of speaking. He means that he has begun the book and hasn't finished it yet. He is in the middle of reading it. Here are some more examples:
- Silvia is learningEnglish at the moment. (not 'learns')
- Have you heard about Tom? He is buildinghis own house. (not 'builds')
But perhaps Silvia and Tom are not doing these things exactly at the time of speaking.
c) We often use the present continuous when we talk about a period around the present. For example: today, this seasonetc.:
- 'You're workinghard today.''Yes, I have a lot to do.'
- Tom isn't playingfootball this season.He wants to concentrate on his studies.
d) We use the present continuous when we talk about changing situations:
- The population of the world is risingvery fast. (not 'rises')
- Is your English gettingbetter? (not 'does ... get')