The Present Continuous Tense
Let's see what's happening right now!
Look! The children are playing in the park. My sister is listening to music on her headphones, and I am writing this sentence. Everything is happening at this exact moment!
When to Use the Present Continuous
We use the present continuous for actions that are happening at the moment of speaking.
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Actions happening right now.
Example: "I am reading a book." -
Temporary situations.
Example: "He is living in Paris for a few months." -
Future arrangements. (Using the present continuous for the future)
Example: "We are meeting at 7 PM tonight."
Common Time Indicators
Look for these words and phrases to know when to use the present continuous:
- Now: "She is working now."
- At the moment: "They are watching TV at the moment."
- Currently: "I am studying currently."
- Look!: "Look! It is snowing!"
Forming the Present Continuous
Affirmative (+)
Use am/is/are + the verb with -ing.
Examples: I am playing, She is eating, They are running.
Negative (-)
Use am/is/are + not + the verb with -ing.
Example: "He isn't studying."
Interrogative (?)
Use Am/Is/Are + subject + the verb with -ing?
Example: "Are you listening to me?"
Practice Time!
Fill in the blanks with the correct present continuous form of the verb.
Quick Summary
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | am/is/are + verb + -ing | He is working. |
| Negative | am/is/are + not + verb + -ing | She isn't studying. |
| Interrogative | Am/Is/Are + subject + verb + -ing? | Are you listening? |