Present Continuous Tense
The Present Continuous (also called the Present Progressive) is used to describe actions happening now or around the present moment. It is formed with the present simple of 'be' + verb-ing.
The Present Continuous has different uses. It can describe actions happening right now, temporary situations, future arrangements, and even annoying habits. Understanding when to use this tense is key to speaking natural English.
Formation
Positive Form
Form the Present Continuous with am/is/are + verb-ing. The same structure is used for all verbs. Contractions ('m, 's, 're) are common in spoken English.
| Full Form | Short Form |
|---|---|
| I am sleeping | I'm sleeping |
| You are working | You're working |
| He is / She is / It is studying | He's / She's / It's studying |
| We are learning | We're learning |
| They are playing | They're playing |
Negative Form
Add 'not' after the verb 'be' to make negatives. Contractions are commonly used.
| Full Form | Short Form |
|---|---|
| I am not studying | I'm not studying |
| You are not playing | You aren't playing |
| He is not / She is not reading | He isn't / She isn't reading |
| It is not raining | It isn't raining |
| We are not cooking | We aren't cooking |
| They are not listening | They aren't listening |
Yes/No Questions
Place am/is/are before the subject to form yes/no questions.
Examples:
- Am I eating chocolate?
- Are you studying now?
- Is he working?
- Is she doing her homework?
- Is it raining?
- Are we meeting at six?
- Are they coming?
Wh- Questions
For wh- questions, add a question word at the beginning of the question.
Examples:
- Why am I eating chocolate?
- What are you studying now?
- When is he working?
- What is she doing?
- Why is it raining?
- Who are we meeting?
- How are they travelling?
Usage
⚠️ Note: Stative verbs (like love, know, believe) are generally not used in continuous forms. They describe states rather than actions.
Learn more about stative verbsRelated Lessons
Present Simple Or Present Continuous
Learn the difference between routine actions and actions happening now.
How To Use Present Continuous
Discover when to use the present continuous for temporary actions and plans.
Present Simple All Verbs
Understand how to use the present simple with regular verbs for routines adn habits.
Future Simple Or Present Continuous
When to use will for decisions and present continuous for plans.