Currently, Today, and Now: Understanding Present Continuous Signal Words for English Learners

The present continuous tense, also known as the present progressive, is used to describe actions that are currently happening or ongoing. Understanding the signal words that often accompany this tense can greatly assist English learners in identifying and using it correctly. Here are some key signal words and phrases commonly associated with the present continuous tense:

1. Now
2. The word "now" frequently indicates that an action is happening at this very moment.

3. Example: She is reading a book now.

4. At the moment

5. Similar to "now," this phrase suggests that the action is taking place right now.

6. Example: They are talking on the phone at the moment.

7. Currently

8. This word highlights that an action is happening during the current period or time.

9. Example: I am currently studying for my exams.

10. Right now

11. An emphatic way to convey that something is happening at this precise instant.

12. Example: He is working on his project right now.

13. Today

14. When used with present continuous, "today" means the action is happening at some point during the day.

15. Example: We are having a meeting today.

16. This week / month / year

17. These expressions denote actions or events that are ongoing throughout the current week, month, or year.

18. Example: She is learning Spanish this year.

19. These days

20. This phrase indicates actions or habits occurring in the present time but not necessarily at the exact moment of speaking.
21. Example: People are using smartphones more frequently these days.

By recognizing and using these signal words, learners can better grasp when and how to apply the present continuous tense in English. When practicing, try to incorporate these words and phrases to reinforce understanding and fluency.

Common Signal Words for Present Continuous

The present continuous tense, also known as the present progressive tense, is used to describe actions that are happening right now or around the present moment. Signal words can help identify when to use this tense. Here are some common signal words and phrases for the present continuous:

• now: Used to emphasize that something is happening at this very moment.

• Example: "She is studying now."

• right now: Similar to "now", it highlights the immediacy of the action.

• Example: "I am writing an email right now."

• at the moment: Indicates that the action is occurring in the current period of time.

• Example: "They are watching a movie at the moment."

• currently: Shows that an action is in progress during the present time frame.

• Example: "We are currently working on a new project."

• today: Suggests that the action happens over the course of the day.

• Example: "He is attending meetings today."

• this week/month: Used to indicate that the action occurs during this week or month.

• Example: "She is traveling this week."

• still: Implies that the action started earlier but is still continuing.

• Example: "I am still reading that book."

These signal words can help learners know when to apply the present continuous tense in their speaking and writing. Remember, the present continuous tense is often formed by using the present tense of the verb "to be" (am/is/are) followed by the verb with an -ing ending.

How to Identify Present Continuous Sentences

The present continuous tense, also known as the present progressive, is used to describe actions that are occurring at the moment of speaking or for actions that are ongoing. One of the key ways to identify present continuous sentences is by looking for specific signal words. These words or phrases indicate that an action is happening right now or is in progress.

Key Signal Words

1. Now:
2. Used to emphasize that something is happening at this exact moment.

3. Example: "She is reading a book now."

4. At the moment:

5. Similar to "now," it underscores actions taking place at the current time.

6. Example: "They are studying at the moment."

7. Currently:

8. Highlights actions that are ongoing or happening during the present period.

9. Example: "He is currently working on his project."

10. Right now:

11. Adds emphasis to an immediate action or event.

12. Example: "We are right now watching a movie."

13. Today:

14. Indicates actions that are specific to the day.

15. Example: "I am fixing my bike today."

16. This week/month/year:

17. Often used for temporary actions or situations extending beyond a single moment.
18. Example: "She is taking a painting class this month."

Example Sentences using Signal Words

• "I am writing an email right now."
• "They are eating lunch at the moment."
• "We are staying at a hotel this week."
• "The company is launching a new product currently."

Understanding these signal words can help you identify present continuous sentences and use them correctly in both writing and speaking. Remember, the structure of a present continuous sentence typically involves the subject followed by the appropriate form of the verb "to be" (am, is, are) plus the verb ending in "-ing."

Practice Exercises with Signal Words

Using signal words effectively can help you identify when to use the present continuous tense in English. Here are some practice exercises to reinforce your understanding. Look out for the signal words typically associated with the present continuous tense: now, right now, at the moment, currently, today, and this week.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses using the present continuous tense. Pay attention to the signal words provided.

1. Right now, Sarah __ (read) a fascinating book.
2. At the moment, the children __ (play) in the backyard.
3. Tom __ (work) on his project this week.
4. We __ (prepare) for our exams today.
5. Currently, the company __ (expand) its operations.

Exercise 2: Identify the Signal Words

Read the following sentences and identify the signal words that indicate the use of the present continuous tense.

1. Jane is talking to her friend on the phone now.
2. They are currently visiting their grandmother.
3. She is cleaning her room at the moment.
4. This week, we are meeting with our new manager.
5. Paul is right now thinking about his future plans.

Exercise 3: Write Sentences

Write your own sentences using the present continuous tense. Include at least one signal word in each sentence.

Exercise 4: Sentence Correction

The following sentences have been written incorrectly with respect to tense. Rewrite them using the correct present continuous form.

1. She watch TV right now.
2. We play chess at the moment.
3. They currently work on a new project.
4. He write an email today.
5. You study French this week.

Exercise 5: Understanding Context

Decide whether the following sentence describes an action that is happening now or near future. Explain your choice.

1. I am meeting my friends for lunch tomorrow.
2. They are planting flowers in the yard today.
3. She is planning to attend the seminar next week.
4. He is visiting his grandparents this weekend.
5. We are having dinner with them tonight.

By practicing with these exercises, you're on your way to mastering the present continuous tense in English. Happy learning!

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Learning the present continuous tense can sometimes be tricky due to common mistakes that English language learners often make. Here's a list of these mistakes, and some tips on how to avoid them:

1. Forgetting the 'be' Verb:
2. Mistake: "She going to school now."
3. Correction: Always remember to include the correct form of the verb "to be" (am, is, are) before the main verb.

4. Correct: "She is going to school now."

5. Incorrect Forms of 'be':

6. Mistake: "I is reading a book."
7. Correction: Make sure to match the subject with the correct form of "be".

8. Correct:

   • "I am reading a book."
   • "He/She is reading a book."
   • "They/We/You are reading a book."

9. Using the Base Form Instead of '-ing' Form:

10. Mistake: "They are play soccer."
11. Correction: The main verb should be in the '-ing' form when using the present continuous tense.

12. Correct: "They are playing soccer."

13. Confusing Present Simple with Present Continuous:

14. Mistake: "I read a book now."
15. Correction: Use present continuous for actions occurring right now.

16. Correct: "I am reading a book now."

17. Using Present Continuous for Non-Action Verbs:

18. Mistake: "I am knowing him well."
19. Correction: Non-action or stative verbs (like know, want, believe) are typically not used in the continuous form.
20. Correct: "I know him well."

Tips to Avoid Mistakes:

• Remember Signal Words: Use words like "now," "right now," "at the moment," which are strong indicators that present continuous is needed.
• Practice with Examples: Regularly practice forming sentences with a variety of subjects and verbs in the present continuous tense to build confidence.
• Read and Listen: Engage with materials in English, paying special attention to the use of the present continuous tense to reinforce how it's correctly used in context.

By being mindful of these common mistakes and applying these practices, you can enhance your understanding and use of the present continuous tense.