Translations of Continuous present (-ing forms)
As in English, the present tense in French:
- states current facts
- general truths
- is used to express habitual actions
But, do not translate ''to be + ___ing'' by être + infinitive or present.
The present continuous DOES NOT EXIST in French.
I am eating = je mange (same as I eat)
If you want to emphasise the ongoing aspect of an action, use ''être en train de + infinitive''
je suis en train de manger (I am eating / I am in the middle of eating)
- states current facts
- general truths
- is used to express habitual actions
But, do not translate ''to be + ___ing'' by être + infinitive or present.
The present continuous DOES NOT EXIST in French.
I am eating = je mange (same as I eat)
If you want to emphasise the ongoing aspect of an action, use ''être en train de + infinitive''
je suis en train de manger (I am eating / I am in the middle of eating)