Present Continuous
The present continuous (also called present progressive) is a verb tense which is used to show that an ongoing action is happening now, either at the moment of speech or now in a larger sense. The present continuous can also be used to show that an action is going to take place in the near future.
Present Continuous Forms
The present continuous is formed using am/is/are + present participle. Questions are indicated by inverting the subject and am/is/are. Negatives are made with not.
- Statement: You are watching TV.
- Question: Are you watching TV?
- Negative: You are not watching TV.
The complete list of Present Continuous forms:
| Positive | Negative | Question |
| I am speaking. | I am not speaking. | Am I speaking? |
| You are speaking. | You are not speaking. | Are you speaking? |
| We are speaking. | We are not speaking. | Are we speaking? |
| They are speaking. | They are not speaking. | Are they speaking? |
| He is speaking. | He is not speaking. | Is he speaking? |
| She is speaking. | She is not speaking. | Is she speaking? |
| It is speaking. | It is not speaking. | Is it speaking? |
Present Continuous Uses
USE 1 Now
Use the present continuous with normal verbs to express the idea that something is happening now, at this very moment. It can also be used to show that something is not happening now.
Examples:
- You are learning English now.
- You are not swimming now.
- Are you sleeping?
- I am sitting.
- I am not standing.
- Is he sitting or standing?
- They are reading their books.
- They are not watching television.
- What are you doing?
- Why aren’t you doing your homework?
USE 2 Longer Actions in Progress Now
In English, “now” can mean: this second, today, this month, this year, this century, and so on. Sometimes, we use the present continuous to say that we are in the process of doing a longer action which is in progress; however, we might not be doing it at this exact second.
Examples: (All of these sentences can be said while eating dinner in a restaurant.)
- I am studying to become a doctor.
- I am not studying to become a dentist.
- I am reading the book Tom Sawyer.
- I am not reading any books right now.
- Are you working on any special projects at work?
- Aren’t you teaching at the university now?
USE 3 Near Future
Sometimes, speakers use the present continuous to indicate that something will or will not happen in the near future.
Examples:
- I am meeting some friends after work.
- I am not going to the party tonight.
- Is he visiting his parents next weekend?
- Isn’t he coming with us tonight?
USE 4 Repetition and Irritation with “Always”
The present continuous with words such as “always” or “constantly” expresses the idea that something irritating or shocking often happens. Notice that the meaning is like simple present, but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words “always” or “constantly” between “be” and “verb+ing.”
Examples:
- She is always coming to class late.
- He is constantly talking. I wish he would shut up.
- I don’t like them because they are always complaining.
