The Present Continuous tense, also known as the Present Progressive, is used to describe actions or events that are currently happening at the moment of speaking, as well as temporary situations.
Structure
Affirmative
The "am/is/are" and verb(-ing) are placed after the subject to form the affirmative.
I | am + Ving |
He/She/It | is + Ving |
You/We/They | are + Ving |
I am working. = I'm working.
He is working. = He's working.
We are working. = We're working.
Negative
The "am/is/are" and then 'not' and verb(-ing) are placed after the subject to form the negative.
I | am + not + Ving |
He/She/It | is + not + Ving |
You/We/They | are + not + Ving |
I am not working. = I'm not working.
He is not working. = He's not working.
We are not working. = We're not working.
Question
The "am/is/are" is placed before the subject and verb(-ing) to form the question.
Am | I + Ving |
Is | he/she/it + Ving |
Are | we/you/they + Ving |
Am I working?
Is he working?
Are we working?
Time Expressions
Some common words and phrases that indicate the use of the Present Continuous include:
now, right now, just now, at the moment, at this moment, at the present, at the present time, at present, today, this week/month/year, this term, temporarily, nowadays, these days, for the time being.
She is working on her thesis at the moment.
They are not accepting new applications currently.
Usage
To describe actions occurring at the moment of speaking.
I am listening to music.
Is she cooking in the kitchen?
The kids are playing in the garden.
They are watching a movie together.
She is talking to her friend right now.
He is writing an email at this moment.
To describe actions or situations that are temporary or not permanent.
I am staying with my cousin for a week.
She is recovering from his surgery this week.
He is working on a short-term project this month.
She is using public transport because her car is in the shop.
Many tourists are visiting the city this month because of the festival.
To talk about plans or arrangements for the near future, especially when the time is already decided.
We are meeting them at 7 PM.
He is flying to Paris next month.
They are going to the beach on Saturday.
The new restaurant is opening next week.
She is visiting her grandparents next weekend.
To express irritation or annoyance or to emphasize the frequency of repeated actions, often with the word "always."
You are always forgetting your keys!
He is always leaving his clothes on the floor!
They are always complaining about something.
She is constantly interrupting me when I’m trying to work.
To describe actions or situations that are changing, developing, or improving.
He is improving his French skills.
Our relationship is becoming stronger.
The climate is getting warmer each year.
Technology is advancing rapidly these days.
The population in this city is growing quickly.
Common Mistakes
Not using the "be" verb:
❌ She working hard.
✅ She is working hard.
Using stative verbs incorrectly:
Stative verbs (e.g., know, like, believe) are not typically used in the Present Continuous.
❌ I am knowing the answer.
✅ I know the answer.
Confusing Present Continuous with Present Simple:
❌ He plays the piano now.
✅ He is playing the piano now.
Spelling Rules for Adding "-ing"
For most verbs: Add "-ing"
Work → Working
Read → Reading
For verbs ending in "e": Drop the "e" and add "-ing"
Write → Writing
Make → Making
For one-syllable verbs ending with a single vowel followed by a consonant: Double the consonant and add "-ing"
Run → Running
Sit → Sitting
For verbs ending in "ie": Change "ie" to "y" and add "-ing"
Die → Dying
Lie → Lying