Present Continuous

Forming the present continuous

The present continuous of any verb is composed of two parts - the present tense of the verb to be
+ the present participle of the main verb.
(The form of the present participle is: base+ing, e.g. talking, playing, moving, smiling)
Affirmative
Subject + to be
+ base + ing
She
is
talking.
Negative
Subject + to be + not + base + ing
She
is not (isn't) talking
Interrogative
to be + subject
+ base + ing
Is
she
talking?

Examples: TO GO, present continuous

Affirmative
I am going
You are going
He, she, it is going
We are going
You are going
They are going

Negative
Interrogative
I am not going
Am I going?
You aren't going.
Are you going?
He, she, it isn't going Is he, she, it going?
We aren't going
Are we going?
You aren't going
Are you going?
They aren't going
Are they going?

Note: alternative negative contractions: I'm not going, you're not going, he's not going etc.

Functions of the present continuous

As with all tenses in English, the speaker's attitude is as important as the time of the action or
event. When someone uses the present continuous, they are thinking about something that is
unfinished or incomplete
The present continuous is used:

to describe an action that is going on at this moment: You are using the Internet. You are
studying English grammar.
to describe an action that is going on during this period of time or a trend: Are you still
working for the same company? More and more people are becoming vegetarian.

to describe an action or event in the future, which has already been planned or prepared:
We're going on holiday tomorrow. I'm meeting my boyfriend tonight. Are they visiting
you next winter?

to describe a temporary event or situation: He usually plays the drums, but he's playing
bass guitar tonight. The weather forecast was good, but it's raining at the moment.

with "always, forever, constantly", to describe and emphasise a continuing series of

repeated actions: Harry and Sally are always arguing! You're constantly complaining
about your mother-in-law!

BE CAREFUL! Some verbs are not usually used in the continuous form

Verbs that are not usually used in the continuous form

The verbs in the list below are normally used in the simple form because they refer to states,
rather than actions or processes.
Senses / Perception

to feel*
to hear

to see*

to smell

to taste

Opinion

to assume
to believe

to consider

to doubt

to feel (= to think)

to find (= to consider)

to suppose

to think*

Mental states

to forget
to imagine

to know

to mean

to notice

to recognise

to remember

to understand

Emotions / desires

to envy
to fear

to dislike

to hate

to hope

to like

to love

to mind

to prefer

to regret

to want

to wish

Measurement

to contain
to cost

to hold

to measure

to weigh

Others

to look (=resemble)
to seem

to be (in most cases)

to have(when it means "to possess")*

Exceptions

Perception verbs (see, hear, feel, taste, smell) are often used with can: : I can see... These verbs
may be used in the continuous form but with a different meaning

This coat feels nice and warm. (your perception of the coat's qualities)
John's feeling much better now (his health is improving)

She has three dogs and a cat. (possession)

She's having supper. (She's eating)

I can see Anthony in the garden (perception)

I'm seeing Anthony later (We are planning to meet)

Present Continuous Use

(Also called the present progressive tense)
So, now you can make the present continuous tense. But what about how we use the present
continuous? Here are some situations when we need this tense:
(More about the difference between the present simple and the present continuous here.)

1: First, we use it for things that are happening at the moment of speaking.

I'm working at the moment.

Please call back as we are eating dinner now.

Julie is sleeping.

You are studying the present continuous.

2: We can also use this tense for temporary situations, when we feel something won't
continue for a long time.

She's staying with her friend for a week.

I'm living in London for a few months.

John's working in a bar until he finds a job in his field.

I'm reading a really great book.

Compare this with the present simple, which is used for permanent situations that we feel will
continue for a long time.
3: We can use the present continuous for habits but they have to be temporary or new
habits (for normal habits that continue for a long time, we use the present simple).

He's eating a lot these days.

She's swimming every morning (she didn't use to do this).

You're smoking too much.

They're working late every night.

4: Another present continuous use is for annoying habits, when we want to show that
something happens too often and we don't like it. In this case we usually use an adverb like
'always', 'forever' or 'constantly'.

You're always losing your keys!

She's constantly missing the train.

He's always sleeping in.

They're forever being late.

5: The next use is for definite future arrangements (with a future time word). In this case we
have already made a plan and we are pretty sure that the event will happen in the future.

I'm meeting my father tomorrow.

We're going to the beach at the weekend.

I'm leaving at three.

They're coming to the party at the weekend.

6: Finally we use this tense to talk about a situation which is slowly changing.

I'm getting better at playing the piano.

The weather is improving.

We can't use this tense (or any other continuous tense) with stative verbs.

How do we use the Present Continuous

Tense?
We use the Present Continuous to talk about:

action happening now

action in the future

Present Continuous for action happening now

a) for action happening exactly now
I am eating my lunch.
past

present

future

The action is happening now.

Look at these images. Right now you are looking at this screen and at the same time...

the pages are turning the candle is burning the numbers are spinning
b) for action happening around now
The action may not be happening exactly now, but it is happening just before and just after now,
and it is not permanent or habitual.
John is looking for a new job.
past

present

future

The action is happening

"around" now.
Look at these examples:

Muriel is learning to drive.

I am living with my sister until I find an apartment.

Present Continuous for the future

We can also use the Present Continuous tense to talk about the future - if we add a future
word!! We must add (or understand from the context) a future word. "Future words" include, for
example, tomorrow, next year, in June, at Christmas etc. We only use the Present Continuous
tense to talk about the future when we have planned to do something before we speak. We have
already made a decision and a plan before speaking.
I am taking my exam next month.
past
present
!!!
A firm plan or programme
exists now.

future
The action is in the future.

Look at these examples:

We're eating at Joe's Cafe tonight. We've already booked the table..
They can play tennis with you tomorrow. They're not working.

When are you starting your new job?

In these examples, a firm plan or programme exists before speaking. The decision and plan
were made before speaking.

The present continuous is used in several instances:

To describe something which is happening at the exact moment of speech:

The boy is crying.

To describe an action that is taking place now but not at the exact moment of speech:

He is working in Dubai.
To describe an event planned in the future:

I'm resitting my French exam on Tuesday.

With always but meaning often (used to emphasize the frequency of an action in a
humorous or hyperbolic way):
My mother is always making me go to school!
She is always playing with that doll!
To describe an action that is taking place now and is subject to interruption:
Ellen cannot come to the phone since she is sleeping.

Present continuous (I am working)

from English Grammar Today

Present continuous: form

We use am, are, is + the -ing form of the verb. We use the short form more often than the full
form, especially when speaking.

(full form)
I,
am
you, we, they
are,
she, he, it
is
(short form)

working.

I,
m
you, we, they
re
she, he, it
s
(full form)
I,
am not
you, we, they
are not
she, he, it
is not
(short form)

working.

I,
m not
you, we, they
re not or aren
she, he, it
Am
? + Are,
Is
(full form)

ts not or isnt
I
you, we, they

working?

she, he, it
I

Am
you, we, they not
Are
?

she, he, it
Is
(short form)
Arent
Isnt

I, you, we, they

she, he, it

working?

Present continuous: -ing form spelling

For most verbs we add -ing to the base form to make the -ing form:
be being eat eating order ordering
cry crying fix fixing play playing
do doing go going
For other verbs the spelling changes are (note the underlined syllables are stressed):
verb

-ing form

move
When the verb ends in -e, we take off the -e and add -ing.
face
come
commit
prefer
When the verb ends in a vowel followed by a single consonant and if the rub
BUT:
last syllable is stressed, then the consonant is doubled.

When the verb ends in a vowel + l, we double the consonant.

moving
facing
coming
committing
preferring
rubbing

covering
cover
remember remembering
travel
travelling*
control controlling

* American English spelling is traveling.

See also:

Regular verbs
Irregular verbs

Spelling

Present continuous: uses

Events at the time of speaking
We use the present continuous to talk about events which are in progress at the moment of
speaking:
A:
What times dinner?

B:
Im cooking now so itll be ready in about half an hour.
Shes pressing the button but nothing is happening.

Temporary states
We use the present continuous to talk about temporary states which are true around the moment
of speaking:
Her mothers living with her at the moment. Shes just come out of hospital.
Whos looking after the children while youre here?

Repeated temporary events

We use the present continuous to describe actions which are repeated or regular, but which we
believe to be temporary:
Im not drinking much coffee these days. Im trying to cut down.
Shes working a lot in London at the moment. (She doesnt usually work in London.)

Change
We use the present continuous to talk about a gradual change:
Theyre building a new stand at the football ground.
Maria, 37, is getting better and doctors are optimistic she will make a full recovery.
Recent evidence suggests that the economic situation is improving.

Regular unplanned events

We often use the present continuous with words like always, constantly, continually and forever
(adverbs of indefinite frequency) to describe events which are regular but not planned, and often
not wanted:
My wife, shes always throwing things out. I like to keep everything.
Im constantly spilling things.

Plans and arrangements

We use the present continuous to refer to the future when we talk about plans and arrangements
that have already been made:
Were moving to Cambridge in July.
Sarah isnt taking Rory to football training later. She hasnt got the car tonight.
Arent you playing tennis on Saturday?
See also:

Future: present continuous to talk about the future (Im working tomorrow)

Future: present continuous to talk about

the future (Im working tomorrow)
from English Grammar Today
The present continuous can refer to the future. It shows that we have already decided something
and usually that we have already made a plan or arrangements:
[talking about plans for a tour by a rock music group]
The band is visiting Denmark next May.
I am taking the train to Paris tomorrow.
Warning:
We dont use the present continuous when we predict something. Instead, we use going to or
will:
Its going to rain again soon.
Not: Its raining again soon.

Present Continuous
The present continuous is used to talk about present situations which we see as short-term or
temporary. We use the present simple to talk about present situations which we see as long-term
or permanent.
In these examples, the action is taking place at the time of speaking.

It's raining.
Who is Kate talking to on the phone?

Look, somebody is trying to steal that man's wallet.

I'm not looking. My eyes are closed tightly.

In these examples, the action is true at the present time but we don't think it will be true in the
long term.

I'm looking for a new apartment.

He's thinking about leaving his job.

They're considering making an appeal against the judgment.

Are you getting enough sleep?

In these examples, the action is at a definite point in the future and it has already been arranged.

I'm meeting her at 6.30.

They aren't arriving until Tuesday.

We are having a special dinner at a top restaurant for all the senior managers.

Isn't he coming to the dinner?

orm
am/is/are + present participle (verb + ing)

Meaning
1. Present continuous is used to talk about something that is happening at the time of
speaking. The action is not finished.
o He is speaking to John.
o

What is she doing?

2. Present continuous is used to talk about temporary situations.

o

I m living in London at the moment.

Why is she moving house?

3. Present continuous is used to talk about changing situations.

o

Youre getting taller and taller every day.

The weathers getting warmer.

4. Present continuous is used to talk about repeated actions around the time of
speaking.
o

Im seeing Jane a lot these days.

5. Present continuous is used to talk about future arrangements.

o

Im meeting my father at the airport at 5 oclock tomorrow.

Were having lunch together at the weekend.

6. Present continuous is used with words such as ALWAYS to talk about things that
happen repeatedly (sometimes to say that something is irritating or annoying).
o

Shes always complaining about how difficult her life is.

7. When we are talking about how someone looks or feels, present continuous or
present simple can be used.
o

How are you feeling? / How do you feel?

Jenny is looking really good today? / Jenny looks really good today.

Additional points
1. Some verbs are not normally used with present continuous because these verbs are
not normally action verbs, for example: believe, belong, depend, hate, know, like,
love, mean, need, prefer, realise, suppose, want, understand.
o They know each other very well correct
o

They are knowing each other very well incorrect

Learn English Grammar

Present Continuous Tense
Overview | Simple Present | Simple Future | Simple Past
Continuous Future | Past Continuous
Present Perfect Simple | Present Perfect Future | Present Perfect Continuous
Past Perfect Simple | Past Perfect Continuous
The Future
When we talk about events that are actually happening now, we use the present continuous tense.
This is formed by using the stem of the verb and adding -ing to the end, for example the verb
"work" becomes "working". In some cases you need to alter the spelling a bit for example the
verb "die" becomes "dying".
Statements
+

Statements
-

Questions

Short answer
+

Short answer
-

I'm working.

I'm not working.

Am I working?

Yes, I am.

No, I'm not.

He's working.

He isn't working.

Is he working?

Yes, he is.

No, he isn't.

She's working.

She isn't working.

Is she working?

Yes, she is.

No, she isn't.

It's working.

It isn't working.

Is it working?

Yes, it is.

No, it isn't.

You're working.

You aren't working.

Are you working?

Yes you are.

No, you aren't.

We're working.

We aren't working.

Are we working?

Yes we are.

No, we aren't.

They're working.

They aren't working.

Are they working?

Yes they are.

No, they aren't.

Present Continuous Timeline

For example:
Q) "What are you doing?" A) "I'm building a website."
We also use the present continuous tense to talk about things that are happening around now but
are temporary.

For example:
Q) "What are you doing these days?" A) "Unfortunately I'm working a lot."
It is also used to describe trends or situations that are happening but may be temporary.
For example:
"Nowadays more and more people are shopping on the Internet."
...and habitual actions (usually negative).
For example:
"He's always cleaning his car."
The present continuous tense can also be used to discuss future events:
Note:The present continuous is usually used with doing verbs (verbs of action) not with verbs of state.
The following verbs are not used in the continuous form in these contexts:Conditions: belong, cost, need, own, seem
Feelings: like, love, hate, want, wish
Beliefs: believe, feel, know, mean, remember, think, understand

We use the present continuous to talk about actions

which are happening at the present moment, but will soon finish.

Time Expressions we use with the Present Continuous

With the present continuous we use these time expressions:
(Notice that the time expression can come at the start or at the end of the sentence.)
At the moment: Im watching TV, at the moment.
These days: Pauls living in Cardiff, these days.
Now: What are you doing, now?
Nowadays: I think you are smoking too much, nowadays.

Present Continuous Verb Tense - is used to for actions that are happening
Now - at the time of speaking

I am going to the store now.

We are eating now.

The girls are sleeping now.

Temporary Actions - actions that are not permanent

I am learning to drive a car. I hope soon I will have my drives license.

My dog is growing very fast. In a few months she will stop growing.

We are painting the house. It will take a few weeks.

Planned Future Actions - actions that are planned for the future

We are going to the mall next week.

My sister is not going to school on Friday.

The girls are going to the beach this weekend.

- See more at: http://english-the-easyway.com/Present_Tense/Present_Continuous_Tense.htm#sthash.iRqLlPQV.dpuf

1. Use of the Present Progressive

1.1. actions happening at the moment of speaking
Peter is reading a book now.

1.2. fixed plans in the near future

We are going to Basel on Saturday.

1.3. temporary actions

I am working in Rome this month.

1.4. actions happening around the moment of speaking (longer actions)

My friend is preparing for his exams.

1.5. trends
More and more people are using their computers to listen to music.

1.6. repeated actions which are irritating to the speaker (with always, constantly,
forever)
Andrew is always coming late.

2. Signal words

now
at the moment

Look!

Listen!

3. Form
to be (am, are, is) + Infinitiv + -ing

4. Examples
4.1. Affirmative sentences in the Present Progressive
Long forms
Contracted forms
I am playing football.
I'm playing football.
You are playing football. You're playing football.
He is playing football. He's playing football.

4.2. Negative sentences in the Present Progressive

Long forms
I am not playing football.

Contracted forms
I'm not playing football.
You're not playing football.
You are not playing football.
You aren't playing football.
He's not playing football.
He is not playing football.
He isn't playing football.

4.3. Questions in the Present Progressive

Long forms
Contracted forms
Am I playing football?
Are you playing football? not possible
Is he playing football?

The Present Continuous Tense

The present continuous tense is most often used for the following:

- For actions happening now

- For future arrangements
- To express annoyance at repeated actions
How to form the present continuous

For actions happening now

When we want to talk about an action that is happening now or at this time (and is unfinished),
we use the present continuous tense. We also use this tense when we want to make clear that the
action is temporary.

Sorry, she can't come to the phone right now; she is having a bath.
Look! Someone is trying to break into your car.

This work is good! Your handwriting is getting better and better.

I'm wearing these old trousers to school this week, as we're doing a pottery course and
it's very messy work!

Of course she likes you. You're just being stupid!

Where's John? - He's playing soccer in the sports hall.

This calculator isn't working properly. Do you have another one.

You can go outside now. It isn't raining any more.

What are you doing? - My watch is broken and I'm trying to fix it.

Why are you talking? You should be listening to me.

For future arrangements

We usually use the present continuous tense for future events that have already been arranged:

I'm meeting my mother at the airport tomorrow.

Our grandmother is visiting us at Christmas.

Sorry, I can't stay after school today; I'm playing tennis with Jun-Sik.

My mother's going to the dentist tomorrow.

I'm not going home at Christmas, so I can come to your party after all!

Are you doing anything on Sunday morning?

Do you know if he is going to the dance with Maiko next week?

To express annoyance at repeated actions

Usually the present simple is used for repeated actions. For example, He always gets up before 7
o'clock, but .. the present continuous is the correct choice when the speaker wants to express
annoyance at a repeated action. (Note how often the word "always" is used in such statements):

You are always interrupting me when I'm talking and I don't like it!
She's always tapping her pencil on the desk and it's getting on my nerves!

My ESL teacher's always giving detentions; how can anyone be so mean?

I'm getting tired of you always coming late to class.

Why is it always raining in Germany?

Why are you always criticising me?

This use of the present continuous is not possible as a negative

2. Using the Present Continuous Tense

We most often use the Present Continuous when we talk about something which is
happening at the time of speaking (now, at the moment):
Examples: Pamela is sleeping in the bedroom.
1. The telephone is ringing!
2. They are doing their homework.
3. I'm waiting for my girlfriend in front of the cinema.
Present Continuous is also used when we talk about something which is happening
at present, but not necessarily at the moment of speaking:
Examples: 1. I'm reading an interesting book.
2. Tom is looking for a new job.
3. We are studying English and Spanish.
We can use the Present Continuous when we talk about temporary actions taking
place only for a period of time (today, this week, this semester, this year):
Examples: 1. My husband is working hard today.
2. They are spending this week in Paris.
3. She is teaching English this semester.
4. We are staying at the Bristol Hotel tonight.

5. I'm living with my parents at the moment but soon I'll buy my own house.
Present Continuous is also used to express current trends:
Examples: 1. Fuel prices are rising constantly because of strong demand.
2. On-line shopping is growing rapidly nowdays.
We can use the Present Continuous when we talk about repeated actions which are
irritating to the speaker (always, constantly):
Examples: 1. He is always complaining from his colleagues.
2. My son is always getting into trouble in school.
Sometimes we use the Present Continuous to describe a planned action in the near
future:
Examples: 1. I'm leaving for Vienna tomorrow morning.
2. We are having lunch at 12.30 o'clock.
We use the present continuous tense in several different ways in English. These explanations
and many examples will help you master this tense and feel confident about when to use it.
Before we get started, please note that this is often also called the present progressive
tense. The words "continuous" and "progressive" tell us that the action is continuing or in
progress.
[Note: Click here to learn how to form the present continuous.]

Present continuous tense use #1: Actions happening NOW

We use the present continuous to talk about things that are happening now / right now / at this
moment / at this very moment. The action started sometime in the past and is still happening
now:

What am I doing? I'm talking to you right now.

I'm watching a movie at the moment.

Something smells good. What are you cooking?

Ssh! The children are sleeping now.

Sorry, he can't come to the phone. He's eating dinner.

You can call him at the office. He's working until 7 o'clock.

Use #2: Present temporary actions

We use this tense to talk about situations that are temporarily happening. Frequent phrases used
with this meaning are at the moment / these days / for or during the next week / year /
semester / etc.

We're living in London for the next two years.

We're renting a house at the beach for the rest of the summer.

I'm working as a cashier until I graduate college.

My husband is taking a three-month holiday from work.

They're staying with us until they find an apartment.

I'm leaving in a few minutes.

I'm reading lots of books these days.

Use #3: Longer actions that are in progress

We can also use the present continuous to describe actions that are in progress but won't be
finished for a longer period of time. Note that we don't have to be doing the activity at this exact
moment.
Sarah walks into the library and sees her friend. She walks over to speak to her:

Sarah: What are you reading?

Jennifer: I'm reading an article for my class.

(In these examples, the action is happening right now.)

Sam and Joe are drinking coffee and chatting at a caf:

Sam: Are you reading any good books these days?

Joe: Yes, I'm reading an interesting spy novel.

( In this example, Joe is not reading the spy novel at this moment. He started the book some time
ago and will continue reading it a little bit at a time over the next few weeks. He's at a caf and
the book is at his home on the table next to his bed).
Here are some more examples:
Action Happening right now

An action in progress over longer time

Call me later, I'm studying right now.

I'm studying chemistry this semester.

Are you working late tonight?

Are you still working at McDonalds'?

I'm eating broccoli and potatoes.

My son's not eating enough vegetables.

Use #4: Definite plans in the near future

We use the present continuous tense for actions that we're planning to do in the near future.
Please note that we are using the present tense to describe an event happening in the future.

We're meeting at the restaurant tonight at 8 PM.

I'm going out with the guys this evening.

Are you working tomorrow?

Serena Williams is playing Maria Sharapova in the finals tomorrow.

Is she moving next week?

We aren't practicing today because of the rainy weather.

Use #5: To describe irritating habits

We can use this tense to describe irritating habitsannoying things that someone is "always,"
"continually," or "constantly" doing.

I'm always forgetting to bring my lunch.

She's constantly complaining about something.

Ugh! Why are you always playing video games?

My neighbors are constantly arguing and fighting.

Why are you continually asking me where I'm going?

I wish you weren't always criticizing me.

Use #6: To describe something changing or developing

We can also use the present continuous tense to describe things that are changing or slowly
developing over time:

It's getting darker earlier each evening.

My sister's health is slowly improving.

My hair is finally growing out.

Your English is getting better and better.

I recommend you also review the differences between the present simple and present continuous
tenses.
If you need to review how to form the present continuous tense please check this page. I go over
the positive and negative forms, questions, spelling and give lots of examples.
Return to MAIN grammar page.

When do we use the Present Progressive?

The Present Progressive is used when we talk about something which is happening now. It is
also called Present Continuous.

1. actions happening at the moment of speaking (now, at the moment)

Peter is reading a book now
She's listening to the radio.

2. fixed plans in the near future

She is going to Basel on Saturday.

3. temporary actions
His father is working in Rome this month.
Verbs that express states are normally not used with the Present Progressive. If they are used,
watch the difference in meaning.

They love being together. (They are not together now.)

They are loving being together. (They are together now.)

4. actions happening around the moment of speaking (longer actions)

My friend is preparing for his exams.

5. trends
More and more people are using their computers to listen to music.

6. repeated actions which are irritating to the speaker (with always, constantly,
forever)
Andrew is always coming late. (I don't like this.)

Actions taking place at the moment of speaking (now)

The action is going on now.
Signal words like now, at the moment are often used to
emphasise that the action is taking place at the moment of
speaking. Signal words are not really necessary, however, as
this is already expressed by the tense itself.
Exercise
He is playing football.
Arrangements for the near future
In the example you can see that the tickets are already
bought. So we are talking about an arrangement for the near
future.

I'm going to the theatre

tonight.

To make clear that the action is not going on now, we

usually use signal words like tonight, tomorrow, next Friday,
at noon.

Exercise
Actions taking place only for a limited period of time

Here we are talking about a time limit. Jim does not

usually work in the firm, he is still at school and wants
to earn some extra money during his holidays.
To make clear that there is a time limit, we usually use
signal words, e.g. this week/month/year.
Jim is helping in his brother's firm
Exercise
this week.
Actions taking place around now (but not at the moment of speaking)
This action takes place around now and only for a limited
period of time, but not at the moment of speaking.
We don't have to use signal words here, but we often find
signal words in such sentences, e.g. now, at the moment.
Exercise
I'm studying for my
exams.
Development, changing situations
The sentence describes a development from
one situation to another.

The population
of China is rising very fast.

Signal words are not that common here, only

sometimes the change of situation is
emphasised by using for example more and
more.
Exercise

Uses
Present continuous is for actions happening right now. This
could mean at this every moment:
I am watching television.
Or, it could mean now in general.
She is working at the gas station

- See more at: http://www.learnenglishonline.com/grammar/presentcontinuous.html#sthash.IlXjvB2T.dpuf

ntroduction
We use the present continuous tense to show we are in the middle of an activity that is in
progress at this moment. The activity started in the past and will go on in the future.
Example:
o

I am reading / I'm writing.

So when we use the present continuous tense we are talking about something that is still not yet
finished or complete at the time of speaking.
Forming the Present Continuous Tense
The present continuous tense of any verb is formed with the simple present tense of the verb
to be (=am, is, are) and the present participle of the main verb (verb + ing)
Examples:
o
o

I am eating a pie for lunch.

Mike is walking out after a row with his girlfriend.

Police are looking through a pile of papers and still haven't found what they want.

We use the present continuous tense:

for an action that is still happening at the time of speaking.

Example:

She is cooking a meal now.

for an action that is still going on about this time but not necessary at the time of
speaking.

Example:
o

Jack is teaching at a secondary boys' school. (He is not actually teaching now. He may be
watching television or playing with his cat at the moment of speaking.)

to talk about an action that has been planned or arranged to take place at a particular time
in the immediate or distant future.

Example:
o

We are performing magic tricks on stage in two weeks.

to describe a situation that is temporary and does not happen as usual.

Example:
o

He is usually the hero of the film, but he is playing the role of a villain.

for a changing or evolving situation.

Example:
o

Pollution is causing global warming.'

to describe a repeated action that the speaker finds irritating.

Example:
o

He is forever making unfavourable comments about his mother-in-law.

with 'always', 'very often', 'forever', 'constantly' to describe an action that happens many
times or frequently.

Example:

o
o

My old car is always breaking down.

I very often go to my mum's for tea or coffee.

He told her that their love would last forever.

She is constantly reminding me to pay back the money I owe her.

with time expressions such as now, at this moment, at present, in a minute, just now,
today, tonight, tomorrow, nowadays, this week, next week, these days, this year.

With present continuous tense questions, we use: am/are/is + subject + ...ing. E.g. Am I
angry? What are your cats doing in my garden? Is your dog barking at the postman?
We use the present continuous tense in the following ways:

Statement: I am shaving we place the verb to be (am/is/are) after the subject (I).
Negative: He is not sleeping we place not after the verb to be (am/is/are).

Question: Are they coming here? we place the verb to be (am/is/are) before the subject
(they).

The Present Continuous (Progressive) Tense

Time Expressions
Time Expressions and Example Sentences:
Use 1 (Present time)
"Now, right now, at present, presently, for the time being, currently, at the moment, at the
present, nowadays, this year " are common time expressions used with this tense.
We are learning English now.
We're watching TV right now.

At present my father is working abroad.

He is presently studying in Istanbul.

We're using my old computer for the time being.

The Director is currently having talks in the USA

She's not waiting here at the moment

Charles is taking three courses this year / this term.

Car prices are getting higher nowadays /these days.

Use 2 (Future Time)

"Tomorrow, tonight, next week, next year" are common time expressions used with future
meaning.
I am not going to the party tonight.
Is he visiting his parents next weekend?

They are flying to Paris next week.

Tom is staring a new job on Friday.

My dad is retiring in June.

Use 3
When we use this tense with adverbs "always", "continuously" or "constantly" for
complaining something.
She is always coming to class late.
I don't think Daniel can lose weight. He is always eating something.

He is constantly talking. I wish he would shut up.

I don't like them because they are always complaining.

He's continuously changing his mind.

Nobody likes Ann at school since she is always having arguments with other students

The present continuous tense is formed from the present tense of the verb be and the present
participle (-ing form) of a verb:
Use
1. We use the present continuous tense to talk about the present:

for something that is happening at the moment of speaking:

Im just leaving work. Ill be home in an hour.

Please be quiet. The children are sleeping.

for something which is happening before and after a given time:

At eight oclock we are usually having breakfast.

When I get home the children are doing their homework.

for something which we think is temporary:

Michael is at university. Hes studying history.

Im working in London for the next two weeks.

for something which is new and contrasts with a previous state:

These days most people are using email instead of writing letters.
What sort of clothes are teenagers wearing nowadays? What sort of music are they listening
to?

to show that something is changing, growing or developing:

The children are growing quickly.

The climate is changing rapidly.
Your English is improving.

for something which happens again and again:

Its always raining in London.

They are always arguing.
George is great. Hes always laughing.
Note: We normally use always with this use.
2. We use the present continuous tense to talk about the future:

for something which has been arranged or planned:

Mary is going to a new school next term.

What are you doing next week?
3. We can use the present continuous to talk about the past:

When we are telling a story:

When we are summarising the story from a book, film or play etc.:

Present Continuous
f t g+ p

FORM
[am/is/are + present participle]
Examples:

You are watching TV.

Are you watching TV?

You are not watching TV.

Complete List of Present Continuous Forms

USE 1 Now

Use the Present Continuous with Normal Verbs to express the idea that something is happening
now, at this very moment. It can also be used to show that something is not happening now.
Examples:

You are learning English now.

You are not swimming now.

Are you sleeping?

I am sitting.

I am not standing.

Is he sitting or standing?

They are reading their books.

They are not watching television.

What are you doing?

Why aren't you doing your homework?

USE 2 Longer Actions in Progress Now

In English, "now" can mean: this second, today, this month, this year, this century, and so on.
Sometimes, we use the Present Continuous to say that we are in the process of doing a longer
action which is in progress; however, we might not be doing it at this exact second.
Examples: (All of these sentences can be said while eating dinner in a restaurant.)

I am studying to become a doctor.

I am not studying to become a dentist.

I am reading the book Tom Sawyer.

I am not reading any books right now.

Are you working on any special projects at work?

Aren't you teaching at the university now?

USE 3 Near Future

Sometimes, speakers use the Present Continuous to indicate that something will or will not
happen in the near future.
Examples:

I am meeting some friends after work.

I am not going to the party tonight.

Is he visiting his parents next weekend?

Isn't he coming with us tonight?

USE 4 Repetition and Irritation with "Always"

The Present Continuous with words such as "always" or "constantly" expresses the idea that
something irritating or shocking often happens. Notice that the meaning is like Simple Present,
but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words "always" or "constantly" between "be"
and "verb+ing."
Examples:

She is always coming to class late.

He is constantly talking. I wish he would shut up.

I don't like them because they are always complaining.

REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs

It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses.
Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses.
Instead of using Present Continuous with these verbs, you must use Simple Present.
Examples:

She is loving this chocolate ice cream. Not Correct

She loves this chocolate ice cream. Correct

ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever,
still, just, etc.
Examples:

You are still watching TV.

Are you still watching TV?

ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:

Right now, Tom is writing the letter. Active

Right now, the letter is being written by Tom. Passive

he Present Progressive Tense

Spelling Tip
Verbing (Present Participle)

Add ing to most verbs. Ex. play > playing, cry > crying, bark > barking
For verbs that end in e, remove the e and add ing. Ex: slide > sliding, ride > riding

For verbs that end in ie, change the ie to y and add ing. Ex: die > dying, tie > tying

For a verb whose last syllable is written with a consonant-vowel-consonant and is

stressed, double the last letter before adding ing. Ex: beg > begging, begin > beginning.
However: enter > entering (last syllable is not stressed)

The present progressive tense is often overused by non-native speakers of English. It should only
be used in the following contexts:
To describe an incomplete action which is in progress at the moment of speaking; usually with
time expressions such as: now, at the moment, right now.
1. (During a phone call or in an e-mail) We are discussing the project at the moment.
To describe a plan or arrangement in the near future; usually with time expressions such as:
tonight, tomorrow, this week, this Monday.
1. Jims leaving for Brussels this evening.
To express actions that are repeated regularly; usually with a negative meaning and with the time
expressions: always or forever.
1. Her husband is always complaining about his health.
Note: A common mistake is using this form to describe what a company sells or produces. In
general, a company sells something on a regular basis, so you need to use the present simple
tense and not the present progressive.

Incorrect: We are producing high-end plastic pipes.

Correct: We produce high-end plastic pipes.

Correct: That company is always selling some cheap gadget. (negative meaning)

The present progressive (continuous) is formed using am, is or are together with the ing (present
participle) form of the verb.
Subject
I
He / She / It
You / We / They

A form of be + Verbing (Present Participle)

am taking
is sweeping
are giving

Rest of Sentence
my final exam tomorrow
the floor at the moment
me a headache

Contractions in the Present Progressive (Continuous)

In general we contract (or shorten) the subject (the person or thing doing the action), and form of
be:
1. I am > Im Im going to the store in about ten minutes.
2. He is > Hes, She is > Shes, It is > Its Its raining cats and dogs.
3. We are > Were, You are > Youre, They are > Theyre Were catching the 9:00 flight.
Save the long forms for when you want to create emphasis.
1. You are not going out tonight!
When speaking, you should stress the not.

Negatives in the Present Progressive (Continuous)

Spelling Tip
When shortening a form of be and negative, just remove the o in not and add an apostrophe ()
is not > isnt
are not > arent
The negative in the present progressive tense is created using am not, is not or are not together
with the ing form (present participle) of the verb.
Subject
I
He / She / It
You / We / They

A form of be + Verbing
am not working
isnt sleeping
arent running

Rest of Sentence
on that project now
at the moment
in the marathon tomorrow

Note: In general, use these contractions in the negative: isnt, arent. Am not cannot be shortened,
but you can say Im not. Save the long forms for when you want to create emphasis.
1. Im not listening to you.
2. Roger isnt eating with us tonight.

3. The Smiths arent going to France this year. Theyre going to Thailand.
4. He is not coming with me dressed like that!

Yes/No Questions in the Present Progressive (Continuous)

To ask a question that will be answered with either a yes or no, start with Am, Is or Are, then
choose your subject (the person or thing doing the action), followed by the ing (present
participle) form of the verb and then the rest of your question.
A Form of be Subject
Verbing
Am
I
making
Is
he / she / it
shaking
Are
you / we / they buying
1. Am I talking too much?
2. Is that your dog barking?

Rest of Sentence
myself clear
right now
steaks for dinner tomorrow

3. Are you participating in the competition next week?

Wh-Questions in the Present Progressive

Wh- questions are questions that require more information in their answers. Typical wh- words
are what, where, when, which, why, who, how, how many, how much.
To create a wh-question, start with the wh-word, then add am, is or are, then the subject (a person
or thing that is doing the action), followed by the ing ( present participle) form of the verb and
only then add the rest of the sentence.
Wh Word A form of be Subject
Verbing Rest of Sentence
Who
am
I
meeting with today
What
is
he / she / it
doing
right now
When
are
you / we / they choosing the colors for the room
1. Which route are you taking to the conference this week?
2. Why is she bleeding?
3. Who am I sending to the meeting?

Tag Questions in the Present Progressive

Tag questions are those short questions that are tagged onto the end of a sentence. They are used
just to make sure the person youre talking to understood what you meant or to emphasize what
you said.

Theyre formed by using a positive sentence in the present progressive and adding isnt or arent
and a pronoun (I, you, we, they, he, she, it) and a question mark. For sentences in the first person
(I), use the tag arent I?
1. Terry is driving to the post office, isnt she?
2. All the kids in the class are going on the field trip, arent they?
3. Im buying tickets for everyone, arent I?
You may also add a positive tag when youre using a negative sentence.
1. Latikas not working at IBM anymore, is she?
2. Tomer and Guy arent going on the trek to South America, are they?
As a rule: When the sentence is positive, the tag is negative.
When the sentence is negative, the tag is positive.

Exercises for Present Progressive

Fill in the correct form of the Present Progressive as in the examples.
1. The runners are approaching the finish line. (approach)
2. Are you preparing the contract for the client? (prepare)
3. Joyce isnt playing in todays tournament. (not play)
1. The team members ______________ late to finish the bid. (stay)
2. What _______Arnie ____________ over there? (do)
3. _______ you __________ a big wedding? (plan)
4. Tim is helping you put the lights up, ___________?
5. The computers _____ finally ____________ like theyre supposed to. (run)
6. _________ Ann _________ in from New York tonight? (fly)
7. The customers arent getting the price quote this week, ____________?
8. I________________ Peter for a drink later. (meet)
9. How much money ________ they _________ in the company?(invest)
10. He ___________ to you. (not lie) He ____________ the truth. (tell)
Answers:
1. are staying
2. is/doing

3. Are/planning
4. isnt he
5. are/running
6. Is/flying
7. are they
8. am meeting
9. are/investing
10. isnt lying/is telling

Examples Present Progressive (Continuous)

Positive
1. We are discussing the project at the moment.
2. Jims leaving for Brussels this evening.
3. Her husband is always complaining about his health.

Contractions
1. Im going to the store in about ten minutes.
2. Its raining cats and dogs.
3. Were catching the 9:00 flight.

Negatives
1. Im not listening to you.
2. Roger isnt eating with us tonight.
3. The Smiths arent going to France this year. Theyre going to Thailand.
4. He is not coming with me dressed like that!

Yes/No Questions
1. Am I talking too much?
2. Is that your dog barking?
3. Are you participating in the competition next week?

Wh-Questions

1. Which route are you taking to the conference this week?

2. Why is she bleeding?
3. Who am I sending to the meeting?

Tag Questions
1. Terry is driving to the post office, isnt she?
2. All the kids in the class are going on the field trip, arent they?
3. Im buying tickets for everyone, arent I?
4. Latikas not working at IBM anymore, is she?
5. Tomer and Guy arent going on the trek to South America, are they?

Present Continuous Tense #1, by Dennis Oliver

The Present Continuous Tense #1

There are several continuous tenses in English, and all of
them are similar in form: they use BE + the -ing form of
another verb. The uses of all the continuous tenses are similar
but not exactly the same--and of course they are used for
different times.
To understand present continuous tense better, let's take
a look at its form.
Present Continuous Tense: Form
The present continuous tense always has two parts:
1.

BE (present: am, are, is)

2.

a verb ending in -ing

Examples:
He is studying.
They are arguing.
It is raining.
You are reading these examples.
I am using my computer to make these examples.

________________________________________________
Special Notes:
1.

Contractions with BE are common with

present continuous tense, especially with
subject pronouns:
He's studying.
They're arguing.
It's raining.
You're reading these examples.