Right now, the sun is shining. Look! A group of children is playing soccer in the park. One boy is kicking the ball to his friend. Listen! The birds are singing a song. The teacher is sitting on a bench and reading a book at the moment.
As you can see, we use the present continuous tense to talk about actions that are happening at this very moment.
How to Form It
The present continuous is made with a form of the verb "to be" (am, is, are) + the main verb with an "-ing" ending.
I am working.
He/She/It is sleeping.
You/We/They are eating.
Examples
Positive Sentences
I am writing an email.
He is cooking dinner.
They are watching a movie.
Negative Sentences
I am not writing an email.
He is not cooking dinner.
They are not watching a movie.
Questions
Are you listening?
Is she coming?
Are they playing?
Common Time Indicators
Look for these words to know when to use the present continuous tense.
Now / Right now: Use these for something happening at this very moment.
Example: She is studying right now.
At the moment: Use this to talk about a temporary action.
Example: We are watching a movie at the moment.
Today / This week / This month: Use these for actions that are ongoing during the current period.
Example: They are working on a big project this week.
Look! / Listen!: Use these words to grab someone's attention for an action happening now.
Example: Listen! The birds are singing.
Mini Quiz!
Complete each sentence with the correct verb form.