Present Continuous
Talk about what is happening now or around now.
12 minBeginner
1The grammar
Use the Present Continuous for actions happening now: I am writing an email. Also use it for things happening around now, for a short time: We are staying at a hotel this week.
Form it with am, is or are + verb + -ing. Common time words are now, right now, at the moment, today and this week.
Spelling: most verbs just add -ing: work becomes working. When a verb ends in a silent e, remove the e: make becomes making. Some short verbs double the last letter: sit becomes sitting, and run becomes running.
We do not usually use this tense with verbs like want, know, like and need. Say 'I want a coffee', not 'I am wanting a coffee'.
2Structure and formation
Positive
Subject + am / is / are + verb-ing
She is working.
Negative
Subject + am / is / are + not + verb-ing
They are not listening.
Question
Am / Is / Are + subject + verb-ing?
Are you driving?
Short answers
Yes, subject + am / is / are. No, subject + 'm not / isn't / aren't.
Yes, he is. No, he isn't.
3Examples
I am writing an email.
An action happening now.
She's talking to a customer.
She's = she is.
We are waiting for the bus.
'Are' goes with we.
He isn't working today.
Negative: isn't + verb-ing.
Are you listening?
Question: 'are' comes first.
They are staying at a hotel this week.
True for a short time, around now.
It's raining.
Weather, happening now.
4Common mistakes
I working now.
I am working now.
You need am, is or are before the -ing verb.
She is work at home today.
She is working at home today.
After 'is', use the -ing form.
He is makeing dinner.
He is making dinner.
Remove the silent e before -ing.
I am knowing the answer.
I know the answer.
We do not usually use 'know' in the Present Continuous.
What you are doing?
What are you doing?
In a question, 'are' comes before the subject.
5Practical usage
On the phone
Use it to say what you are doing now: Sorry, I can't talk. I'm driving.
Short-term situations
Use it for situations that will end soon: I'm working in Dublin this month.
Now practise it
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