The present continuous is formed by combining the present simple of the verb 'to be' with the present participle of the main verb (verb + -ing).

To form negative sentences in the present continuous, we place 'not' after the auxiliary verb 'to be'. Let's take a look at some examples:

To form a 'yes/no question' in the present continuous tense, put the auxiliary 'am,' 'is,' or 'are' before the subject, followed by the present participle form of the main verb. For example:

To form 'wh-questions,' place the interrogative word at the beginning of the sentence and then form the question using the appropriate form of 'be' followed by the subject and the main verb. For example:

The present continuous tense is used to talk about:

We can use the present continuous tense to talk about an action happening right now. It means that the action is in progress at the moment and we are talking about it at the same time. Typically, verbs that refer to activities with a specific endpoint are used in the progressive aspect to talk about ongoing actions; for example, 'run', 'swim', 'dance', 'talk', 'read,' etc. Here are some examples:

In sport commentaries when the action is happening at the moment and is in progress the present continuous tense is commonly used. However, it is usually followed by a present simple tense or follows a present simple tense. Look at the examples:

Some verbs can be used in the present progressive tense to express an ongoing action, but they express a repetitive action rather than a continuous activity. For examples:

We can use the present continuous tense to talk about a process that is ongoing, although there might be a gap in its continuity, or it might be extended over a longer period of time. This means that the action started some time ago, is still ongoing, and is expected to continue for some time. Verbs that denote activities or developments that extend over time are typically used in the progressive aspect to express this meaning; for example, 'build', 'hire,' 'learn,' 'grow,' etc. Check out the examples:

We also use the present continuous tense to describe a specific tendency toward a certain way of acting or behaving. Look at the examples below:

We use the present continuous tense to talk about a state that we perceive as temporary. A temporary state does not remain the same in the long term. It means that it will change, but the exact timing of the change is uncertain. Stative verbs typically cannot be made progressive, but some of them become progressive to show these temporary states; for example, 'live,' 'look' (as a linking verb), 'love,' 'suffer,' 'stand,' etc. Here are some examples:

We can use the present continuous tense to talk about an action or event in the future, which has already been planned. Whenever there is a fixed plan, or the decision has been made in advance, you can use the present continuous tense. For example:

We can use the main verb to have' in the continuous form to refer to a special occasion planned for the near future. Check out the example:

We can use the present continuous tense with adverbs of frequency such as 'always', 'all the time' and 'constantly' to emphasize a continuing series of repeated actions that happen regularly. This usage usually expresses annoyance at the repetition of the action. For example:

This usage of present continuous coincides with the use of present simple to refer to regular actions or habits. For example:

We can use the present continuous to narrate past events when we are telling a story. Telling a story involves summarizing or recounting events. For example:

We can use the present continuous to talk about the past when summarizing a book, film, or play. There are different ways of summarizing a story, one of the common ways is to use the present continuous tense. For example: