In this article, we will dive deep into the concept of continuous tenses in Marathi grammar. We will explore the structure, usage, and examples of Present Continuous, Past Continuous, and Future Continuous tenses. By the end of this comprehensive guide, you will have a clear understanding of how to effectively use continuous tenses in the Marathi language.
The present continuous tense is used to describe actions that are happening now or are in progress at the time of speaking. In Marathi, the Present Continuous tense is formed by combining the present participle (-त) form of the main verb with the appropriate auxiliary verb for the subject.
Structure: Subject + Auxiliary Verb + Main Verb in Present participle (-त) form
Example: मी वाचतो / मी वाचते (I am reading)
1. To express an action happening now or at the time of speaking: मी वाचतो (I am reading)
2. To express a temporary action or situation: त्यांनी हा काम फक्त एका महिन्यासाठी करतात (They are doing this job for only one month)
The past continuous tense is used to express an action that was happening at a particular time in the past. In Marathi, the past continuous tense is formed by combining the past participle (-लेल) form of the main verb with the appropriate auxiliary verb for the subject.
Structure: Subject + Auxiliary Verb + Main Verb in Past participle (-लेल) form
Example: मी वाचत होतो / मी वाचत होते (I was reading)
1. To express an action that was happening at a specific time in the past: काल संध्याकाळी ते योग अभ्यास करत होते (Yesterday evening, they were practicing yoga)
2. To describe two actions happening simultaneously in the past: मी टीव्ही पाहत होतो, अशा वेळी ते बाहेर जात होते (I was watching TV while they were going out)
The future continuous tense is used to express an action that will be happening at a particular time in the future. In Marathi, the future continuous tense is formed by combining the future participle (-णार) form of the main verb with the appropriate auxiliary verb for the subject.
Structure: Subject + Auxiliary Verb + Main Verb in Future participle (-णार) form
Example: मी वाचणार असेल / मी वाचणार असेल (I will be reading)
1. To express an action that will be happening in the future at a specific time: उद्या दुकान बंद असताना माझे वाचन सुरू असेल (Tomorrow, while the shops are closed, my reading will be going on)
2. To express an action that will be in progress before another action starts: या बहिणी येताया पर्यंत माझी गोष्ट अघाडी होणार नाही (By the time this sister arrives, my story won’t have progressed)
In conclusion, the continuous tenses in Marathi grammar play a vital role in expressing actions that are ongoing, were ongoing or will be ongoing. Understanding the structure, usage, and examples of these tenses will greatly improve your ability to communicate effectively in Marathi. Keep practicing and applying these rules, and you will be able to confidently use continuous tenses in your conversations and written communication.
