Present Continuous Tense: Forms, Usage & Examples | English Grammar
Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2025
Welcome! In this lesson, you'll learn all about the Present Continuous Tense in English grammar. We'll cover the formation, usage, and provide plenty of examples. You'll find real-life examples, a quick quiz, and pro tips to help you master this important tense.
What is Present Continuous Tense?
Present Continuous Tense Definition: Present continuous tense describes actions that are happening right now, ongoing situations, or future plans. It uses the formula: be (am/is/are) + verb-ing.
Why is Present Continuous Important? It's essential for describing what's happening at the moment of speaking and for talking about temporary situations and future arrangements.
Present Continuous Tense Structure
| Sentence Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing | I am working / She is playing |
| Negative | Subject + am/is/are + not + verb-ing | I am not working / She isn't playing |
| Question | Am/Is/Are + Subject + verb-ing? | Am I working? / Is she playing? |
The auxiliary verb changes based on the subject: am (I), is (he/she/it), are (you/we/they).
When to Use Present Continuous Tense
1. Actions Happening Now
- I am typing on my computer right now.
- She is cooking dinner at the moment.
- They are watching TV currently.
- We are having a meeting now.
2. Temporary Situations
- I am staying at my friend's house this week.
- She is working part-time while studying.
- They are living in London temporarily.
- He is taking French lessons this month.
3. Future Arrangements
- I am meeting him tomorrow at 3 PM.
- She is flying to Paris next week.
- We are having dinner with friends tonight.
- They are moving to a new house next month.
4. Changing Situations
- The weather is getting colder.
- Technology is advancing rapidly.
- His English is improving day by day.
- The economy is recovering slowly.
Adding -ing to Verbs
| Rule | Base Verb | -ing Form |
|---|---|---|
| Most verbs: add -ing | work, play, read | working, playing, reading |
| Ends in -e: drop e, add -ing | make, take, write | making, taking, writing |
| One syllable, consonant-vowel-consonant: double final consonant | run, stop, sit | running, stopping, sitting |
| Ends in -ie: change ie to y, add -ing | lie, die | lying, dying |
📌 Present Continuous Challenge!
Complete the sentences with the correct form:
- She _____ (cook) dinner right now.
- I _____ (not/watch) TV at the moment.
- _____ you _____ (study) English these days?
- They _____ (move) to a new house next week.
Show Answers
- She is cooking dinner right now.
- I am not watching TV at the moment.
- Are you studying English these days?
- They are moving to a new house next week.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Wrong: I am work now.
✅ Correct: I am working now.
Remember to add -ing to the main verb.
❌ Wrong: She are playing tennis.
✅ Correct: She is playing tennis.
Use "is" with he/she/it, not "are".
Frequently Asked Questions
What is present continuous tense?
Present continuous tense describes actions happening right now or around the current time. It uses be (am/is/are) + verb-ing to show ongoing actions, temporary situations, and future plans.
How do you form present continuous tense?
Use am + verb-ing with I, is + verb-ing with he/she/it, and are + verb-ing with you/we/they. Examples: I am working, She is playing, They are studying.
What are some examples of present continuous tense?
Examples include: I am reading a book, She is cooking dinner, They are watching TV, We are going to the park, He is working from home.
When do we use present continuous tense?
Use present continuous for: actions happening now, temporary situations, future arrangements, changing situations, and annoying habits with "always".
What's the difference between present continuous and simple present?
Present continuous is for actions happening now (I am working), while simple present is for habits and facts (I work every day).
How do you make negative sentences in present continuous?
Add "not" after am/is/are: I am not working, She is not (isn't) playing, They are not (aren't) studying.
How do you ask questions in present continuous?
Put am/is/are before the subject: Am I working? Is she playing? Are they studying? What are you doing?
What time expressions are used with present continuous?
Common expressions: now, right now, at the moment, currently, today, this week/month/year, these days, nowadays.
Conclusion
Present Continuous Tense is essential for describing ongoing actions and temporary situations. Master its formation with am/is/are + verb-ing to express what's happening now and future arrangements clearly!