Present continuous
A1 BeginnerThe present continuous describes actions happening exactly now or around the current moment. It uses the verb 'to be' and a main verb ending in -ing.
Overview
The present continuous is used to talk about actions in progress at the moment of speaking. It can also describe temporary situations that are happening these days, even if they are not happening at this exact second.
- Actions happening now: I am eating lunch.
- Temporary situations: She is staying at a hotel this week.
Form
subject + am/is/are + verb-ing
To make the present continuous, use the present simple of be (am/is/are) and the -ing form of the main verb. For negatives, add not after the verb 'be'. For questions, move 'be' to the front of the sentence.
Examples
Common mistakes
I working today.
I am working today.
The auxiliary verb 'be' is required; you cannot use the -ing form alone.
She is drink water.
She is drinking water.
The main verb must always have the -ing suffix in this tense.
I am liking this cake.
I like this cake.
Stative verbs like like, love, and want are usually not used in the continuous form.
Present Continuous vs. Present Simple
Use the continuous for things that are changing or happening right now, and the simple for things that are always true.
| Present Continuous | Present Simple |
|---|---|
| Happening now (I am driving). | Habits/General truths (I drive every day). |
| Temporary (He is living in London for a month). | Permanent (He lives in London). |
Practice
Complete the sentence: Look! The bus ______ (come).
Show answer
is coming
Answer:is coming
Why:The word 'Look' indicates the action is happening right now, so we use the present continuous.
Make this sentence a question: They are playing football.
Show answer
Are they playing football?
Answer:Are they playing football?
Why:To form a question, we invert the subject (They) and the verb 'be' (are).
Change to negative: She is sleeping.
Show answer
She is not sleeping
Answer:She is not sleeping
Why:To make the negative, place 'not' between the auxiliary verb 'is' and the main verb 'sleeping'.