The present continuous tense, also known as present progressive, is essential for describing actions that are happening right now or are ongoing. It is commonly used for actions occurring at the moment of speaking, temporary situations, or future plans. Additionally, it can express repeated actions that often convey a sense of annoyance. We often use this tense with words like “now”, “at the moment”, and “currently”.
How to form the present continuous
the present continuous is formed using the present tense of verb “To be” (am, are, is) followed by the “-ing” form of the main verb.
affirmative form
- subject + am / are / is + verb + ing
I + am + verb + ing
you / we / they + are + verb + ing
he / she / it + is + verb + ing
examples :
She is eating dinner.
I am watching TV.
We are playing football.
negative form
- subject + am / is / are + not + verb + ing
I + am not + verb + ing
you / we / they + are not + verb + ing
he / she / it + is not + verb + ing
examples :
he is not studying right now.
they are not watching a movie at the moment.
I am not reading any books these days.
question form
- am / are / is + subject + verb + ing
am + I + verb + ing
are + you / we / they + verb + ing
is + he / she / it + verb + ing
examples :
are you studying for your exams ?
is he watching TV right now ?
are they working on the project ?
When to use the present continuous tense
- actions happening now : describing actions that are occurring at the moment of speaking.
we are cooking dinner.
she is writing a book.
- temporary actions : for situations that are temporary.
we are staying at a hotel.
he is living in New York for this month.
- future plans : to talk about future arrangements or plans.
we are meeting friends tomorrow.
he is leaving for Paris next month.
Common time expressions with present continuous
Now : I am studying now.
At the moment : she is cooking dinner at the moment.
Right now : we are playing football right now.
This week : she is reading a great novel this week.
This month : they are enjoying their vacation this month.
Currently : he is currently listening to music.