Present Continuous
The present continuous (also called present progressive) is a verb tense which is used to show that an ongoing action is happening now, either at the moment of speech or now in a larger sense. The present continuous can also be used to show that an action is going to take place in the near future. Read on for detailed descriptions, examples, and present continuous exercises.
Present Continuous Forms
The present continuous is formed using am/is/are + present participle. Questions are indicated by inverting the subject and am/is/are. Negatives are made with not.
- Statement: You are watching TV.
- Question: Are you watching TV?
- Negative: You are not watching TV.
Present Continuous Uses
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 different things: 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.
Present Continuous Tips
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
Verb Tense Chart
| Present Simple | Past Simple | Future Simple |
| I study English every day. | Two years ago, I studied English in England. | If you are having problems, I will help you study English. I am going to study English next year. |
| Present Continuous | Past Continuous | Future Continuous |
| I am studying English now. | I was studying English when you called yesterday. | I will be studying English when you arrive tonight. I am going to be studying English when you arrive tonight. |
| Present Perfect | Past Perfect | Future Perfect |
| I have studied English in several different countries. | I had studied a little English before I moved to the U.S. | I will have studied every tense by the time I finish this course. I am going to have studied every tense by the time I finish this course. |
| Present Perfect Continuous | Past Perfect Continuous | Future Perfect Continuous |
| I have been studying English for five years. | I had been studying English for five years before I moved to the U.S. | I will have been studying English for over two hours by the time you arrive. I am going to have been studying English for over two hours by the time you arrive. |
