Present Continuous
The Present Continuous tense describes actions happening right now or around the current time. It is formed with am/is/are + verb-ing. It is also used for future arrangements that are already planned.
WHEN TO USE
Use for actions happening right now, temporary situations around the present, or for fixed future arrangements. Also used to describe a trend or a changing situation.
STRUCTURE
S + am/is/are + V-ingShe is studying English right now.
S + am/is/are + not + V-ingShe isn't watching TV at the moment.
Am/Is/Are + S + V-ing?Is she studying English?
SIGNAL WORDS
- now
- right now
- at the moment
- currently
- today
- this week
- look!
- listen!
EXAMPLES
I am studying English right now.
They are watching a movie tonight.
She is cooking dinner at the moment.
We aren't working today — it's a holiday.
Are you coming to the party?
SPELLING RULES (HE/SHE/IT)
| Most verbs | add -ing | play → playing, work → working |
|---|---|---|
| Ends in silent -e | drop -e, add -ing | make → making, write → writing |
| Short verb ending in consonant-vowel-consonant | double final consonant + -ing | run → running, sit → sitting |
| Ends in -ie | change -ie to -y, add -ing | lie → lying, die → dying |
COMMON MISTAKES
I am study English now.
I am studying English now.
The verb must be in -ing form after am/is/are
She is knowing the answer.
She knows the answer.
State verbs (know, believe, want, like) don't use -ing form
Tip
Some verbs are 'stative' — they describe states, not actions, and are almost never used in -ing form. These include: know, believe, want, need, like, love, hate, prefer, understand.