Present Continuous Tense

Verbs have different forms, called tenses. The tense of a verb tells us when the action happens.

We use the present continuous tense to describe actions that are happening now, around now and personal future plans.

Form of present continuous tense

am/is/are + verb + ing = present continuous tense

verb + ing = present participle

Examples

I am learning how to swim.

She is reading a book.

The crow is building a nest.

When to use present continuous tense

Situation 1: Actions that are happening now

Examples

Marcus is making a puppet.

We are singing too loudly.

They are fishing in the stream.

Situation 2: Actions that are happening around now or are temporary.

Examples

She is staying in New York.

We are working hard these days.

Situation 3: Future Plans

Examples

We are going camping tomorrow.

I am starting piano lessons soon.

We are having a barbeque this evening.

Forming the Negative

We form the negative by adding not after am/are/is.

Videos

This video shows how to make basic sentences in present continuous tense.

This video explains the 'Present Continuous' tense.

The present continuous tense describes actions that are happening now and in the future.

This video shows some of the differences between the present tense and the present continuous tense in English.

Learn about the difference between the Present Simple and the Present Continuous (Progressive) in English.

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