Present Continuous

Express actions happening now, temporary situations, and definite future plans

What is Present Continuous?

The present continuous (also called present progressive) is your "right now" tense. It captures the dynamic, ongoing nature of actions that are in progress at this very moment or around the current period of time.

Unlike simple present (which describes permanent situations and routines), present continuous emphasizes that something is happening temporarily. You're in the middle of it! This tense also has a special use for talking about definite future arrangements, making it extremely versatile.

When to Use

1. Actions Happening Right Now

Use present continuous for actions in progress at this exact moment.

I am writing an email right now.
They are playing football in the park.
She is talking on the phone.
The baby is sleeping at the moment.
We are watching a movie.
Look! It is raining outside.
Listen! Someone is knocking at the door.

2. Temporary Situations

Use present continuous for situations that are happening around now, but aren't permanent.

She is staying with friends this week.
We are working on a new project this month.
I am reading a fascinating book these days.
He is taking a photography course this semester.
They are living in a hotel while their house is being renovated.
My sister is visiting from abroad this month.

3. Definite Future Arrangements

Use present continuous for personal plans that are already arranged.

I am meeting John tomorrow at 5 PM.
They are flying to Paris next week.
We are having dinner with clients tonight.
She is starting her new job on Monday.
My parents are coming to visit this weekend.
I am seeing the dentist on Thursday.

4. Changing and Developing Situations

Use present continuous to describe trends and changes happening gradually.

The weather is getting warmer.
More people are working from home these days.
Technology is changing rapidly.
My English is improving every day.
Prices are rising everywhere.

Formation

Positive Form: Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing

I am working from home today.
You are learning fast.
He is running in the marathon. (consonant → double + ing)
She is writing a report. (silent e → drop e + ing)
It is raining heavily.
We are studying for exams. (y → keep y + ing)
They are playing tennis.

Negative Form: Subject + am/is/are + not + verb-ing

I am not working today.
You aren't listening to me.
He isn't coming to the party.
She isn't feeling well.
It isn't working properly.
We aren't going out tonight.
They aren't studying right now.

Question Form: Am/Is/Are + subject + verb-ing?

Am I bothering you?
Are you working on the project?
Is he coming with us?
Is she watching TV?
What are you doing?
Where is he going?
Why are they laughing?

Common Mistakes

❌ I am go to work now. → ✅ I am going to work now.
❌ She working now. → ✅ She is working now.
❌ They is playing. → ✅ They are playing.
❌ He are studying. → ✅ He is studying.
❌ I am loving pizza. → ✅ I love pizza. (stative verb - use simple)
❌ She is knowing the answer. → ✅ She knows the answer. (stative verb)
❌ We are haveing lunch. → ✅ We are having lunch. (drop e before -ing)
❌ Are you understanding? → ✅ Do you understand? (stative verb)

Practice Tips

🎥 Narrate what you see: Look around and describe what people are doing right now. "The cat is sleeping. Birds are flying. Someone is walking."
📞 Learn the -ing spelling rules: Most verbs just add -ing, but drop silent 'e' (writing), double consonants after short vowels (running, sitting), and keep 'y' (studying).
⚠️ Avoid with stative verbs: Don't use continuous with verbs like "know," "like," "love," "want," "need," "understand," "believe." These describe states, not actions.
🗓️ Use for definite plans: When you've already arranged something specific in the future, present continuous sounds more natural than "going to" or "will."
🎯 Add time expressions: Use "now," "right now," "at the moment," "currently," "these days," "this week" to make your meaning clearer.