Learn How to Use the Present Continuous Tense

The present continuous tense, also known as the present progressive, is one of the most commonly used verb tenses in English. It is one that English learners  frequently confuse with a similar tense, the present simple. Present Continuous vs. Present Simple The present continuous tense expresses something that is happening at the moment of speaking. It is frequently used in conjunction with time expressions  such as right now or  today to indicate that an action is occurring at that moment. For instance: What are you doing at the moment?Shes reading in the garden now.Theyre not standing in the rain. Theyre waiting in the garage.   In contrast, everyday habits and routines are expressed using the present simple tense. Its common to use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as usually or sometimes. For example:   I usually drive to work.Alice doesnt have to get up early on Saturdays.The boys play soccer on Friday evenings. The present continuous is used only with action verbs. Actions verbs express things that we do. The present continuous is not used with  stative verbs  that express a feeling, belief, or state of being, such as hope or want.   Correct: I hope to see him today.  Incorrect:  I am hoping to be  seeing him today.Correct: I want some ice cream right now.Incorrect: I am wanting some ice cream right now. Using the Present Continuous In addition to expressing actions that are currently taking place, the present continuous can also express actions that are happening at or around the present moment in time. For example: What are you doing tomorrow afternoon?She isnt coming on Friday.Were working on the Smith account at the moment. This tense is also  used for future plans  and arrangements, especially in business. Where are you staying in New York?She isnt coming to the presentation on Friday.Im flying to Tokyo next week. Sentence Structure The present continuous tense can be used with positive, negative, and question sentences. For positive sentences, conjugate the helping verb be and add ing to the verbs end. For example: Im (I am) working today.Youre (You are) studying English at the moment.Hes (He is) working on the report today.Shes (She is) planning a vacation in Hawaii.Its (It is) raining right now.Were (We are) playing golf this afternoon.Youre (You are) not paying attention, are you?Theyre (They are) waiting for the train. For negative sentences, conjugate the helping verb be, then add not plus ing to the verbs end. Im not (I am not) thinking about my vacation right now.You arent (You are not) sleeping at the moment.He isnt (He is not) watching the TV.She isnt (She is not) doing her homework today.It isnt (It is not) snowing today.We arent (We are not) staying in New York.You arent (You are not) playing chess at the moment.They arent (They are not) working this week. For sentences that ask a question, conjugate be, followed by subject and a verb ending in ing. What am I thinking?What are you doing?Where is he sitting?When is she coming?How is it doing?When are we leaving?What are you eating for lunch?What are they doing this afternoon? Present Continuous Passive The present continuous can also be used in the passive voice. Remember that the passive voice conjugates the verb to be.  To construct, a passive sentence, use the passive subject plus the verb be plus ing and the  past participle. For instance: Cars are being made in this factory at the moment.English is being taught by the teacher now.Steak is being eaten by the people at table 12. Additional Resources Want to learn more about the present continuous tense? Check out this teachers guide for additional exercises and tips.