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Master English Grammar

Present Continuous Tense

Learn how to form and use the present continuous tense to talk about actions happening right now. Examples include: I am working. / She is reading a book.

What Is the Present Continuous Tense?

The present continuous tense describes actions that are happening right now or around the current time. It is formed using the verb to be (am/is/are) + the -ing form of the main verb.

Why Is This Important?

The present continuous tense helps you describe actions that are happening now or temporary situations. It makes your communication clearer and more specific.

Key Points

  • Use am, is, or are + verb ending in -ing
    • I am working on a project.
    • She is reading a book.
    • They are playing football.
  • Use for actions happening right now or around this moment
    • He is cooking dinner now.
    • We are studying for exams this week.
  • Add not to make it negative
    • I am not working today.
    • She is not reading a book.
    • They are not playing outside.

Rules for Using the Present Continuous Tense

  • Use am/is/are + verb-ing to describe actions happening now

    • I am eating lunch.
    • She is watching TV.
    • They are playing outside.

  • Add not after am/is/are to make a negative sentence

    • I am not working today.
    • He is not listening to music.
    • We are not going to the park.

  • Use am/is/are + subject + verb-ing to form questions

    • Are you coming to the party?
    • Is she reading a book?
    • Am I doing this right?

  • Special Cases & Exceptions:

    Some verbs are not commonly used in the present continuous tense. These are called stative verbs.

  • Avoid using stative verbs like know, believe, love in the present continuous.

    • Incorrect: I am knowing the answer.
    • Correct: I know the answer.

  • Use the present continuous for temporary actions, not permanent ones.

    • Correct: She is staying with us for a week.
    • Incorrect: She is living here (if permanent).
SubjectPositiveNegativeQuestion
II am working.I am not working.Am I working?
She/He/ItShe is reading.She is not reading.Is she reading?
We/You/TheyThey are playing.They are not playing.Are they playing?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the creators of these videos. These are publicly available resources used to provide additional information on the topic.