Present Continuous

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:

Just like in the present simple, we also use 'am,' 'is,' or 'are' before the subject to form a 'yes/no question' in the present continuous tense.

For 'wh questions,' we simply place the question word at the beginning of the sentence and then form the question using the appropriate form of 'be' as in the present continuous. For example:

When someone uses the present continuous, they are thinking 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 in the middle of an activity. And we are talking about it at the moment. For example:

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:

We can use the present continuous tense to talk about an action that is taking place around now but not at the exact moment of speech. This means that the action started some moments ago, is still ongoing, and is expected to continue for some more time. Check out the examples:

We use the present continuous tense to describe an action or a trend that is new and different from previous occurrences within its category. This highlights a contrast between the current situation and its previous counterparts. Look at the examples below:

We use the present continuous tense to talk about something which is changing, growing, or developing. This means that the action is turning to another level or basis over time step by step. Check out the examples:

We use the present continuous tense to talk about something that we perceive as temporary. A temporary thing does not remain the same in the long term of time. It means that it will change, but the exact timing of the change is uncertain. Here are the 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 firm 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. Remember we limited the structure by using the main verb have. Check out the example for more clarification:

We use the present continuous tense with adverbs such as 'always', 'forever', 'all the time' and 'constantly' to emphasize a continuing series of repeated actions that happen regularly on a repeating basis. This usage highlights the ongoing nature of the actions. 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:

Present continuous tense is used when an action is in progress. Basically, it talks about actions that are happening now and probably will still happen in the future.

Present continuous is used to talk about: