The present continuous for temporary present actions

Today, let's talk about the present continuous. We also use the present continuous for actions that cross the present moment, but these actions are temporary.

Many grammar books say that we use the present continuous for actions that are happening at the moment of speaking. This rule is fine, but it doesn’t tell us the whole story. The action also needs to be temporary (or unfinished ). Otherwise, we would use the present simple.
 

• I’m working at the moment.
• She’s cooking.
• Amanda is sleeping now.

Of course, if the verb is a stative verb, we need to use the present simple, even if the action is temporary.
 

This use of the present continuous includes things which are changing. We often use verbs that include the idea of change in their meaning, like ‘become’ or ‘improve’. We also often repeat an adjective.
 

• The weather is becoming colder and colder.
• She's getting older.
• Luke is growing taller.
   

Let's review!
 

1. We use both the present simple and the present continuous for actions that __________ the present moment.
2. We use the present simple for temporary situations when the verb is _________.
3. We also use the present continuous for things that are ________.
4. Can you name two verbs that include the idea of change in their meaning?
5. What do we often repeat when we use the present continuous for change?

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