Present Continuous Tense
Present Continuous tense
Introduction
The present continuous tense (also called the present progressive tense) is commonly used in English for actions happening right now, or in the future. This page will explain the rules for forming the tense with regular verbs.
1. Forming the present continuous tense
This tense is formed using two components: the verb BE (in the present tense), and the -ING form of a verb. Here are the rules, using the example verb “sing”:
| Subject | BE | -ING form |
|---|---|---|
I
|
am
|
singing
|
You
|
are
|
singing
|
He
|
is
|
singing
|
She
|
is
|
singing
|
It
|
is
|
singing
|
We
|
are
|
singing
|
They
|
are
|
singing
|
2. How to make the -ING form
With many verbs, you can simply add -ING to the end of the verb. However, with some verbs, you need to change the ending a little. Here are the rules:
| Verb ending in... | How to make the -ING form | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| one vowel + one consonant | Double the consonant, then add -ING | swim - swimming hit - hitting get - getting |
| one vowel + one consonant + E | Remove E, then add -ING | come - coming lose - losing live - living |
| [anything else] | Add -ING | say - saying go - going walk - walking |
USE 1 Now
Use the Present Continuous with Normal Verbsto 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 likeSimple 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.
REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs
It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using Present Continuous with these verbs, you must use Simple Present.
Examples:
- She is loving this chocolate ice cream. Not Correct
- She loves this chocolate ice cream. Correct
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples:
- You are still watching TV.
- Are you still watching TV?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
- Right now, Tom is writing the letter. Active
- Right now, the letter is being written by Tom. Passive
Let's practice:
1. He......... (to work) too hard.
2. Now she........(to do) her bedroom.
3. The Mortons......(to go) to the seaside with their children.
4. He........(to get up) early today.
5. I must send my letter because the deadline........(to come) very soon.
6. We.........(to eat) a huge cake.
7. Please don't disturb me, I.......(to watch) TV.
8. What's the matter? why (she/to cry) ?
9. You can't call him, he.........(to fly) to New York.
10. They bought a new house and they......... (to move) now.
